First day of another new normal

Today, life outside of the safe world called home starts again for us. Not that it came to a halt in corona era, but of course we have shut out the outside in the past 2 months like everyone else in the world. 

As from mid-March on everything in my house is dedicated to a mini eco system with a clear structure called home. As a single parent you just need a few more handles to hold your strings tight somehow. It differs slightly from doing it together.

Fortunately my family already ran smooth with independent and committed kids who like to work together with a genuine will. Monday to Friday is dominated by work and school, with regular school and working hours so everyone can continue his rhythm and the transition to the new normal in the future will not be too difficult. 

Throughout time we started going outside the house little by little during weekends, for a simple nice walk and later starting geocache trails again. In the evening we regularly have cinema nights. Even though we have been locked up in a house with a garden of 1700 square metre (lucky basterella I am!) we also find relaxation together, without falling apart in individuals only sharing the same roof.

Today my 12 year old son will return physically to his school for the first time with half of his group. Although the transition from real life to online was a considerable step, we are already so accustomed to the new normal that going back from online to real life takes some time to get used to as well. His sisters who are not able yet to return to their schools wander around in amazement searching for their little brother. Despite our planning board in the kitchen shows in major capital letters:

BACK TO SCHOOL! 

in his lane. It is a funny thing, our social cohesion.

I am in a funky mood as well. I miss my little trouble maker not being around. He is quite noisy. Although he knows that he shouldn't disturb me at the times specified on our planning board in my lane, he regularly sneaks in my study room to bring me a hug. In that regard he is a lot like me, we are quite physical and like to touch and hug each other. That will be a hell of a challenge in a 1.5 metre economy.
Fortunately for him as from Monday on he at his age is allowed to do more things, like practise his favorite sport free running again this afternoon with his "matties"and hang out with his friends.

After half day I miss him terribly. Funny how soon you are used to your different way of living in a pandemic situation. And I realize the world will never be the same again.

Cherish your moments of happiness, however brief it is. You never know what tomorrow will bring, not even the next hour. Love your life in all its facets and colors. Dance with your kids and your loved ones in the moon light, do all these funny and impulsive activities, hug them. Spoil them. Kiss them. Protect them. Hold them close to you.

In the mean time stay healthy and safe.