Usually, the closer you get to the future, the better your understanding is of how it will be. You have a better idea of what the upcoming month will look like a few days before it starts, as opposed to several weeks before. But this idea of increased predictability does not apply to a Coronavirus world. On the flip side of the crisis, while the world gets back to business, travel, and life, there are lingering questions as to how we will protect Jackson. The virus will have dissipated, but not eliminated. Frequency of outings, number of visitors, and in-home protocol are things that we may lighten slightly over time but are not likely to go away for a while, if ever.

For now, we are slogging through quarantine with the rest of America, but with a considerably better viewpoint. After spending over two months in the hospital and all the family disruption associated therein, spending two (or more) months together at home is an improvement. Getting to spend time, lots and lots of time, with Jackson, Luca, Santina, and Rex has been heartwarming. Our daily walks, games, cooking, and cartoons have been fun. I’ve also increased my workout regimen, which is only mildly counteracting the massive increase in snacking. I will probably need to flatten my curve when this is over.

We have however instituted some strict social distancing policies and closed ranks around the family. It’s difficult to cut out those that are incredibly helpful, but necessary. I do wish that Luca had more interaction with peers, but that too must wait. He is about to start online classes via Zoom. And while I’ve been on work calls that felt like an elementary school class, I’m certain an actual kindergarten class is going to be difficult. Good luck, teachers. You’re going to need it.

The huge, massive, enormous thing that is allowing our family to somewhat enjoy this time is that both Santina and I able to keep working. Our white collar jobs in an essential industry enable us to work from home. Many are not as fortunate. Those furloughed or let go are going through rough times, and are likely to be so for some time. The government has done an excellent job in quick action to provide at least some economic relief. This pales in comparison to the health policy response. The 5 or 6 weeks where the president downplayed the crisis as a hoax will forever haunt families across the nation.

We look forward to the future with a knowledge that we have no knowledge of it. But we are assured that humans are resilient and will persevere, as this family knows all too well.