One thing I’ve done was surprise Dale with a good dinner from his job. He was so happy to know that we were trying to support the business. The young man that put the order in the backseat for me actually started around the same time as Dale so he sent him a message to hang in there and said he couldn’t wait until they could work together again. He also said to make sure Dale knew they’re all having a tough time adjusting but they’re doing everything they can to hold down the fort until his safe return. That really melted my heart, Dale had only been training a little over two weeks. Even the owner and manager said to tell him hello and to hang in there.
We also did a drive by to his Godparents house. He loved seeing them but hated that he could not hug them. Instinctively he wanted to run to them and hug them but I had to stop him. We all had mask on and stayed more than 6 feet apart in the yard to keep a safe distance. We were not there more than 25 minutes but it brought some sunshine to us all. When we got home Dale thanked me for taking him to see them and said he was very happy. He went on to share that the minute he got back in the car all the anxiousness came back over him and said he’s not ready yet to be out. I appreciated so much that he was able to verbalize his emotions. Although I still think the visit was good for us all, I’m happy he was able to let me know he needs more time to process this situation. They actually didn’t know we were coming. I didn’t tell them because I knew there may be a chance it was too much and we’d have to turn around and I was trying my best to minimize the disappointment for everyone. I think not being able to hug them did him in. This new reality is difficult to process so I totally understood. Heck, I wanted to hug them myself, but would not be ok with myself if either of them fell ill after our visit, so I totally recognize his trepidations.
Dale’s SWAT yoga instructor also reached out and has been doing virtual sessions twice a week with his students. What an amazing idea. They use to be funded through the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) as part of the wellness and fitness program but unfortunately the funding was cut, nothing new to us parents who have been trying to navigate through the system for years. Well, out of the kindness of his heart, and his commitment to his community, the yoga instructor has been offering his hot yoga class at least once a week to the students who were enrolled in the old program, what a blessing.
KEEN Greater DC has also been doing virtual fitness on Sunday’s ranging from Yoga, Zumba and a good old fashioned work out with their favorite DJ, Aaron, who always leads the group in fun activities, effortlessly. He’s been doing their events for years and is familiar with a lot of the athletes, so imagine your favorite DJ and fitness instructors shouting you out every now and again throughout a workout, motivating, yes?? He’s got the formula down to keep them engaged.
Just yesterday Dale attended the annual Bullis/KEEN prom, virtually with his prom buddy Izzy. She’s been awesome, she was his prom buddy in person last year, and boy did they “cut a rug.” This year was a complete surprise and although they couldn’t accommodate as many of the KEEN athletes, the ones that did attend were all smiles. The photo I used for this entry is from the promposal, which was also a surprise for Dale. Oh my, did I have a time getting him motivated to get dressed for what I told him was a “home visit.” That totally threw him off because his thought was “visit?” no one had been in this house since at least before March 17th, so he did not understand, therefore very hesitant to go along with his Mama’s shenanigans. Once they got here, we all wore mask and stood on the porch and in the yard to continue to practice social distancing while still creating a memory he will always cherish.
https://www.fox5dc.com/video/684373
Keen is also going above and beyond to try and keep Dale busy. He’s had a couple of speaking and singing engagements with them over the past couple of weeks as well. Any opportunity for him to talk, he is all in, he’s always had the “gift of gab.” The key is trying to help him stay on topic but he’s learning to wheel himself in every now and again on his own when he’s realized he’s gone off to left field.
He has also been engaged with church, Bible Study on Wednesday’s and Worship on Sunday’s, all via conference calls. So far Monday’s and Friday’s have pretty much been his free days. Keeping him busy is certainly helping pass the time. He is still frustrated from time to time and really ready for this to be all behind us. But interesting enough, as bad as he wants the situation over, he does understand that he wants it to be safe. Like his desire to get back to socializing in person does not supersede the fact that he does understand the risk of doing it too fast, a concept some seem to be struggling with themselves.
Some jurisdictions surrounding us have lifted the Stay at Home mandate and have entered a Safer at Home status so that’s been interesting. It kind of reminds me of visiting Florida and seeing it pour down raining on one side of the street and bone dry on the other. Many are still practicing social distancing and following recommended precautions, but some are so happy to be out they’ve forgotten we are still in the midst of a pandemic. For now we will continue to Stay at Home, as ordered, and wait to become a part of phasing into what will become the “new norm,” as soon as someone figures out what that really looks like, right?
Well, that’s all I’ve got today and you’d think I’d be able to blog more but I’m telling you, this telework life is real. That and trying to balance Dale’s schedule along with trying to keep myself together has been a very interesting ride. Keeping you all in prayer and asking that you do the same for our family. We are going to get through this and be stronger for it.
Until next time….Stay Strong, Be Well, and Stay Safe!!!!!
Comments are closed
2 Replies to “Nine weeks in…”
Dale you are a beyond fabulous ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Such an amazing duo (mom & son)!