One Uncharted Day at a Time

We didn’t get a lot of snow this year but maybe you remember that feeling of distraction when there’s a impending blizzard approaching?  There’s energy in the air and no one can quite concentrate on long division or the causes of the American Revolution because any minute those big flakes are going to start falling.  And it’s pretty much impossible to think about grading papers when you’ve got to stock up on toilet paper and wine.



That’s the way I’m feeling right now, only it’s a global pandemic rather than a weather forecast. Instead of shovels and ice melt, stores have run out of hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes. It’s uncharted territory, full of unsettling unknowns.  The coronavirus (COVID-19) will impact each of us personally in some way. Whether it is dealing with the disappointment of cancelled plans, worrying about the health of a loved one, or feeling scared about the economic consequences, the ripple effect will be significant.



Here we go. FCPS has already declared Monday to be a teacher workday so we can prepare for online learning.  Katherine learned today that she will be home for at least a month, extending her spring break indefinitely. Ashland just confirmed its first case of coronavirus, so my guess is that Jack will also be home soon to practice elbow bumps and social distancing.


None of this is convenient. None of this was planned. And for a list-making, calendar-loving planner girl like me, that’s a recipe for anxiety. And yet, that’s how life works. Winston Churchill once said, “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.”  I’m going to try to remember that. How can I make the most of the next few weeks? How will I choose to spend my time in between hand washings? I’m going to try to take things one uncharted day at a time. And as always, I’ll try to do it with a grin, some grit, and a bit of grace.