While there is no need to panic, and all is well, we did hear that Little Buddy was exposed to Covid at school this past Tuesday. Well we heard on Tuesday, but he was actually exposed the Friday before. His assistant sent us a text that she was ill on Sunday and Monday and was calling in a substitute and would be going to get tested. She had a fever and was not feeling well so I suspected it was Covid. When the school called on Tuesday to say he had been exposed but could not tell me by whom I was not pleased. When I met his assistant she was wearing a mask, but all other times at car drop off and car pick up, which is outside, she wasn't. It is not required here in this ridiculous state and of course you are not able to ask if they are wearing a mask or even vaccinated. I make sure he wears one, but at lunch he can't and she sits with him to eat. The school nurse told me to just watch him and he was not to quarantine. However, one hour later I got a call back saying yes he does need to quarantine until August 30, or come back with a negative test signed by a doctor, and he had to be picked up immediately. My husband went to pick him up, drove directly to a pharmacy giving the test, Little Buddy got tested and it was negative so he went back to school the next day with a signed form from the pharmacist. It was a scare, and I have been keeping my eye on him just in case he was to develop something these past few days. The sad thing is his assistant is ill, and I feel bad because of course I don't want her to be sick, and I worry that this is a new year and they are just getting to know each other and the routine of school and that has already been screwed up. I really, really like her, and I don't want her to be sick, but a small part of me is mad that she might not be vaccinated and has been around my fragile child. I don't know for sure, and I can only guess if mask wearing has been done by her while indoors. Still I am mad that this state is governed by a crazy man who puts these kids at risk, puts my fragile son at risk. I wish we just had a mask mandate, I would feel so much better and feel he was safer, just like it was last year. This is our first scare with him but by the way this virus is taking over Florida it will not be the last.
The rest of the week was me having to notify every child's parents I work with and tell them the situation. Although I wear a mask at work many of them decided to wait until we had the all clear this weekend, and to just start back up with therapy this coming week. So I had to watch Little Buddy for signs he was ill and I lost loads of work all because of this horrible situation. People aren't safe, they aren't thinking of others, not everyone of course but enough of them that this virus continues to multiply and make people ill. Florida is horrible with the cases rising, deaths rising, hospitals over crowded, ambulances waiting in bays for hours until they can unload a new patient. We actually got a public service announcement to not call 911 unless it was life or death, they don't have the ambulances or staff to handle all the emergency calls because there are so many calls for Covid patients. You had better not have a heart attack, car accident, stroke or a bad fall, you are out of luck. It is worse now than it was at the peak in the spring. It just makes me infuriated that people can be so reckless with others. And it makes me sad that our children are used as pawns for a horrible governor to raise money, which he has, a lot of it, taking this stance to let school employees and/or parents chose to mask up or not. If their choice only affected them then so be it, but it affects my child and the children I work with. It is just horrible and really just unthinkable that we are here in this moment in the year 2021.
Little Buddy had a horrible afternoon yesterday. Having to redo math and not get his iPad due to his horrible behavior made him go completely nuts. I have only had three or four days like this with him, ever. He was just so out of control yelling and screaming, beating his hands on furniture, grounding me, saying mean things and following me around so I never got a break so I could calm myself down. I put him in his room, and back in his room, I left the room and tried to come back to my office to get a break, he followed. Really it went on for 2 1/2 hours. My oldest was working upstairs and came down three times to try and help. Finally, at dinner time he just started to cry and we held him until he was calm. It was a rough afternoon, but I am glad he was able to finally do his math, and finally regain some sense of control. I am honored to have a wonderful young man as a son who tries to help in the ugliest of times. He is stern but loving, and will be an incredible father someday. I am drained today, really, really drained after all that has gone on this past week.
I have learned in the last few weeks I have three new babies arriving on my husbands side of the family. I went stash busting yesterday before all hell broke loose at my house. I know the first one to arrive is a boy, the top photo will be a ripple blanket for him. I need to finish my crochet cardigan before I can start on it. The cardigan that I have a feeling will be a total bust, yet I have two sleeves to go and I need to get them done, bust or not. The other two babies are too little to know the sex yet. I have more grey and more light tealish green or pink to pop in for that one. The bottom one is my least favorite. It has a sand/grey color for the main part of the blanket and maybe coral for smaller stripes. I don't have much of it, maybe 280 yards of the coral but surely that is enough for smaller stripes. I also have a light khaki green, but I don't think it is enough contrast with the sand/grey. I could also do a granny square blanket with a pop of coral in it here and there. I think this is far more girlish, but you really aren't supposed to think that way anymore now are you? If it is a boy I might have to rethink the choice in the last photo. If I could make all three from stash yarn that would be a major feat!
So that is my week. I am tired and really not much fun right now. However, I will regain my bearings and think of positive things in just a little bit. Maybe some sleep will help, that has been lacking as well this week with all that has been going on here, not to mention all over the world.
I am wishing you all a calm week ahead, stay safe my friends.
Oh, good golly! So many parents I know are living this nightmare right now. Putting all these kids back in school is a terrible idea. School starts here on Monday. Ugh. At least we have a mask mandate.
ReplyDeleteMy Daughter's MIL is very sick with Covid right now. It's been a two week ordeal so far and she was vaccinated. We just learned that the FIL is NOT vaccinated. He's the one that lost BOTH his parents to it last November but never bothered to get the vaccine himself. He's going this week. Horse meet barn.
I hope Buddy stays healthy. What's going on in Florida is infuriating. I hate looking at the news anymore.
Stay safe.
I am mystified my our governor and the other MAGAs, and he is fund-raising to run for President. Hope you, LB and rest of family stay safe and well.
ReplyDeleteOh dear! I remember days like that with my son -- although his tantrums were at their worst when he was a teen. I hope that LB gets it out of his system now because it doesn't get easier. I can't even imagine how exhausted you are.
ReplyDeleteWhat can anyone say about Florida these days? I am glad my daughter moved to Denver as I'm sure Miami is crazy. Wisconsin's legislature is pretty Florida-esque, but at least we have a Democratic governor to set a few boundaries
I hope you've gotten some rest and are feeling better.
Oh wow. Your poor little guy and poor you! I can feel how worried you are and rightly so! Down here in Victoria, Australia our Premier is very strict on masks and vaccinations, lockdowns, quarantines etc. And they are particularly protective of the more vulnerable members of our society so I am horrified by the 'leadership' of your state. But unfortunately our prime minister is a bit of an idiot and there have been delays in the vaccine rollout and now we are seeing sharp increases in cases over the past month as a result.
ReplyDeleteSending many hugs to you and your lovely family from Kangarooland xox Louise
It is such a sad situation. I have a friend, aged 93, whose family has been so cautious. All are vaccinated that are eligible. Well, a seven year old in the family came down with COVID. The previous couple days before the symptoms were obvious, there was a family get together. . .you guessed it. . .now there are ten adults who tested positive for COVID. It isn't known where the 7 year old contracted the virus. The adults who are ill have light cases. My friend said that this was one time when she was happy to have missed the get together!
ReplyDeleteSchool days are hard even on the best days and we are far from having "best" days. I hope cooler heads will prevail and that there will be a safer environment for our kids to learn in. Masks are the way to go. I hope your son's assistant recovers quickly because she was vaccinated. Not having her in Little Buddy's school day makes the day that much more challenging for him to navigate. I hope he and your family continue to be COVID free.
I hope your whole situation calms down soon. While there is a little bit of political back and forth here (Australia) there is NOTHING like I read about in your country, and in particular your state. I simply cannot understand why anyone would not put children's health above all. At least our public health officials take on a lead role. The disgraceful things I read about how Dr Fauci is treated just blows my mind.
ReplyDeleteGive the boy a big high five for me! Sounds as though he was pretty stressed and over-wrought.
Sending warm hugs to you all from Oz
ReplyDeleteI can fully understand that you feel drained.High school starting has been delayed here until every student has been tested for COVID.Groups are now meeting again but with strict rules.You have to have a letter from NHS proving you are double jabbed.You must wear a face mask indoors and socially distance.Most people are still wearing masks in supermarkets etc but it is not mandatory.I have to be honest and say I am very nervous about joining groups again.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with Little Buddy.
Barbara
My heart goes out to you and LB and I hope you both have an easier week.
ReplyDeleteOh Meredith, I'm sorry you're having such a tough time of it, and that the situation in Florida is so rough. I had been feeing a bit sorry for myself, but I am thinking of you now and pulling myself together. But life is hard sometimes isn't it. I am glad Little B worked through the difficult hours in the end, you really are a top mum. My youngest and I are often at loggerheads, almost always about screen time, and there is quite a bit of fury at times, so I can sympathise. I love the pastel blanket colours, it will be a pleasure to knit I think. I hope you have a lovely Sunday. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteOMG Mere. what a nightmare to live in and try to function.
ReplyDeleteLittle Buddy's meltdown was surely due to all the unspoken tension and fear he feels from the adults in his life. he's sensitive enough to innately Know that his world is in peril. if the politicians could only see what they're doing.
he's too little to understand he only knows his world is shaken.
our state is also run by an IDIOT. our hospitals are full to overflowing. still he does nothing to help. it's so Totally politicized now. and our children are paying the price.
you can only do what you can! I'm afraid it will bring on your migraines. please be careful and Rest a little!
your wisdom and understanding are incredible.
thank you for even posting!
we love you. xo
God bless you Meredith what a week! I wish I could rush over there and give you a big hug, there is so much for you to worry about. I'm so glad that you have such a loving supportive family around you. I wouldn't worry about the yarn choices because once you get into making them your crafting instinct will kick in and you will know just how to make them work in the best way and they will be beautiful. I hope you have a peaceful Sunday and that you manage to get some much needed rest. xx
ReplyDeleteI think it would have been good if your son's helper at school had quietly told you that she was vaccinated. It is worrying that has not happened.
ReplyDeleteHere we are about to start school soon and it has only recently been mandated that teachers have to have a vaccination or have tests 3 times a week. The mandate should have happened at the beginning of summer, now their deadline to get vaccinated is in October -into the school year. We are vaccinating children 12 and up but not those under. I have a young grandchild so that is worrying for me.
I am double vaccinated but very cautious. We have a mask mandate back again and a vaccine mandate just started for gyms etc.
Good wishes. I always enjoy your wool projects.
What a wretched, horrible week. You must feel like a limp dish rag after all this. It reminds me of a little poster I used to have in my office of a harried looking woman and the caption says, "I have one nerve left and you're getting on it." And all we can do is offer cyber hugs and understanding about the general situation, though I have not personally experienced those childhood moments that mothers have. Our numbers are more than last spring, too and it's terrifying -- I'm sure all the more when it directly affects your child. I worry about attending a long-awaited wedding in Ohio in mid-October or even being with people who aren't vaccinated. Almost more anxious than before.
ReplyDeleteI hope you can get a little break and that things ease soon, no symptoms show for you or anyone in your family. I'm so glad your son was there to help. He sounds like a wonderful, kind man. (And darned cute, too!) You deserve that.
I hope this week gets better for you!
ReplyDeleteOh Mere,
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that your big son was there, too. What a week you have had. Praying for you. And 1i1 Buddy. I. can't. even. start. with COVID. I am watching numbers and percentages. We are back to contact1ess groceries, masks a1ways when outside the house, and cance11ing get togethers un1ess we KNOW even our dearest friends are being over carefu1.
Too bad if people are tired of it.
Important surgeries are being put on ho1d for the sake of COVID pt. ICU beds. The 1ucky in this country don't understand this unti1 it hits them. But you know that.
Ca1ming thought I try to use:
No hurricane is hitting us. I'm so sorry other states.
My kids teach remote1y to kids in China. A1 is getting out of hea1thcare for her sake.
Being cooped up in my house in summer is no torture. I 1ove the porch and I can be ca1m there.
My sister is getting a puppy
Hugs to 1i1 Buddy from Kathy b.
Definitely sounds like a rough week. Hope Buddy didn't catch covid. Glad you have plenty of yarn and projects to keep your mind off everything. Wishing you all good health.
ReplyDeleteYou are so honest with your feelings. I feel strengthened by the way that you handle difficulties. Yes, sometimes life is rough, but you deal with it. Sending you caring thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad this week is over for you---here is hoping that next week is much, much better.
ReplyDeleteYikes! You are in the thick of things and suffering the consequences of the thoughtless actions of others. I hope the school year improves for both you and LB.
ReplyDeleteActually, you *can* ask someone's vaccination status. Medical personnel cannot share your health information with others outside of who you have designated, but you are certainly free to ask anyone about theirs. Of course, they can refrain from telling you and you may be subject to a tirade.
Here the city school system is requiring masks, but that has not stopped infections entirely, so there is some remote learning going on. At least we know the drill now.
What a stressful week you all had. I’ll be adding Little Buddy to my prayer list.
ReplyDeleteI loved his photo with his big brother.
I'm sorry for your rough week. What a terribly stressful time. Nothing is worse than The Unknown, especially when it affects our children. I hope you can find peace and rest this week somehow. It seems to be in short supply everywhere. My thoughts will be with you.
ReplyDeleteOh, that sounds so stressful. Your son looks so sweet. I wish everyone would wear a mask, too, but they don't. Often I am the only one here in California. Fortunately, I can stay home. You have my sympathy. Thank God Buddy didn't get Covid. That would have been horrible.
ReplyDeleteI am caring about the stress and anxiety you and our world is facing in the midst of our circumstances, dear Meredith. I continue to pray you and all of us will have God's wisdom to make choices that reflect Christ's love. I chose to be vaccinated and wear masks...even last week outside in the rain showers at church... and those around me were masked as well. I have friends who have medical issues and were advised not to be vaccinated by medical professionals. So I listen and continue to pray that each of us makes wise choices that result in love. I hope you get better rest and are able to enjoy some beautiful stitching. xxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteI was hoping you'd had a better week this week but some things are just beyond our control. I despair over some of the decisions which have been made during this pandemic, it seems in some cases that people's lives aren't being considered at all. Wishing you an easier, stress-free week this week.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to read about the rough week that you have had and the scare with Little Buddy. Sending you a virtual hug and keeping you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your rough week. Hope things are better this week.
ReplyDeletewhat a pain to get him tested, ugh. I'm glad it's negative but still it's just another wrinkle in our daily lives that adds stress. I used to have melt downs as a kid all the time!!
ReplyDeleteOh my what a week. Sending you virtual hugs from over the water. Jo xxxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry your life has been so stressful lately. I wish you more days of peace and calm! Stay safe!
ReplyDeleteMy dear, sweet Meredith. I hope this week is beginning better for you. I did read this the day you posted but Blogger won't let me comment on my phone for some reason and I didn't take my laptop to Spokane for such a short trip.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand what's happening with people. May God give us all wisdom to make the right choices and decisions for everyone. In Spokane everyone wore masks everywhere unless we were in private homes with people we KNEW were all vaccinated. Here in Omaha there is no mask rule or in Iowa either. I went to the grocery store this morning because I couldn't even buy eggs online. Very little was available online. But when I went inside all the shelves were full. I don't understand that. The employees and me had masks on. That was it. No other customers were masked. We had to go to Lowes tonight to pick up our new vanities for two bathrooms and NO ONE except Dennis and I were masked. I'm staying home now. It's not worth it.
Don't get me started on airports, etc. You have to wear masks and leave 6 feet between people throughout the airport but then they cram you into those tiny seats hip to hip on the plane. Does that even make sense. So far, so good with Dennis and I but then again, we just flew home yesterday, masked of course, but now it's a wait and see game again.
As you can tell, I'm frustrated too. How hard is it to wear a mask? I know it's not fun, but it's not hard and it's life saving for heaven sake.
I'll be quiet now. I'll be praying for my attitude and that your week is going much, much better this week my dear friend.
Blessings and a big hug,
Betsy
Sigh. Hope this week is going better...I'm behind in reading blogs; sorry for both of you being overwhelmed.
ReplyDeleteSad to hear Little Buddy has been giving you a rough time! Do you think his erratic behaviour has been triggered by all the disruption at school and his assistant being off sick. All kiddies love routine and I expect this didn't go down well with him. Very glad his COVID test was negative! it is so good that your older son can step and help you with LB too. There was a terrible upheaval here when it was announced that at the start of the new school year which is next week some restrictions were going to be lifted. Neither the schools nor the parents were for it at all and there were protests all over the country. Thank goodness the Ministry of Education have listened to the majority and postponed it at present. I so hope that you are feeling better and those rough days have past and you are able to relax. Take care Mere! Amanda x
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry it has been such a difficult week for you all. I am glad that Little Buddy tested negative for Covid. Cases here are very high, too. We have a mask mandate at school but cases have still been rising dramatically since schools went back. I guess children hang out together when not at school. Last week, half of James's class was off sick with something. We voluntarily test the boys twice a week to go to school (lateral flow tests). It is not good. I hope there are no further disruptions to your life because of this endless pandemic. Cxx
ReplyDeleteP.S. Your blog doesn't show up on my feed anymore. I wondered how you were doing and came to check in directly. I missed three posts! I am sorry to not have visited as I usually do.