I realize it's been a while since I've written. So here is the not very exciting update.
I love getting calls and texts from family and friends and catching up on what is new. The thing is, not much is new. We are really in a holding pattern. We still take our walks, and we are still doing driveway visits and taking car rides to nowhere. RJC helps with chores around the house - and we have discovered that she does indeed know how to use the Swiffer and will do when so when she sees something needs mopping up. She loves her iPad and enjoys baking. Once in a while I can engage her in something artsy thought admittedly that is not my personal forte.
We did have two fun adventures to the beach! There happens to be a special needs beach just about an hour away and we went one time on a hot summer day, and a second time on a cooler day. Both were a nice escape and it was fun to do something different. It is very COVID-friendly. There were not many people so it was very easy to stay the minimal 6 feet apart. In reality, we hardly saw anyone so that was never even an issue. Reservations are needed and they assign each group a specific spot (no more than four people per group). We had friends meet us there in their own car and we were easily able to chat while social distancing. It was a beautiful and relaxing setting and watching and listening to the waves was a treat.
It was also nice to be someplace different. One of the more difficult issues we are facing as time marches on is that we continue to have the cloud of COVID hanging over us. Our days are almost frighteningly the same and we do not see many people. RJC does not wear her mask for more than 15-20 minutes so we are very limited in where we go indoors. Even with a mask, I am not particularly comfortable indoors with other people around so that really limits us. I have some serious concerns as Fall seems to be passing quickly and at some point we will be dealing with ice and snow and cold. None of those things are on my "favorites" list and I hate the idea of being stuck inside, day after day.
We did think ahead to winter and ventured out to buy snow boots and warm coats. The plan is to still be outdoors at least for a little while each day. Maybe not for as long as we can be now but I think the key to sanity will be found in nature. There is something both comforting and "normal" about hearing birds, seeing squirrels and chipmunks, and the smell of the great outdoors.
We have definitely had some bumpy days. I often do not know the source of her angst which makes it particularly difficult to "fix" her issue. Those days seem to come in clumps and then we have some really great days that follow when she is giggly and happy. Some of this may be related to allergies - at least that is our current theory. Her OCD tendencies are also going through the roof. She has spent hours rearranging her video tapes. She also like to rearrange our kitchen cabinets and the food in the refrigerator. While that sounds lovely, it can also be a mighty big pain in the neck to not be able to find anything where we originally put it! The really problem is that she is beyond bothered by little strings on her clothing. She is constantly picking at them (some that I cannot even see) and ultimately rips her clothing then throws it out. I am not a shopper even in normal times, so this has been a definite problem.
I do wonder if this COVID craziness will effect RJC in the long run. I do believe she is amazingly resilient. She has shown that time and time again so it is my prediction that she will be just fine. Still, I'm her mom and I worry. I worry about all of us actually. We are living in an unusual time to be sure. It will be wonderful - and weird - to be able to come and go in buildings as we please. To walk through stores in whatever willy nilly direction we choose. To see people's full faces - not only their eyes and hair.
The bottom line is that we are doing what we need to do, we are generally happy and we are making it work.
Hoping the same for all of you.
