Survival Mode

Happy New Year! 
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Yes, I know we're 10 days into January but I think you all understand. And, full disclosure, I'm writing to you instead of folding THIS mountain of laundry: 

At least the bed is made?!

I have no shiny big announcement and no brilliant new ideas in these early days of 2022. 

And that's okay.

Nearly every parent I've talked to recently is in survival mode. Between last week's snow and this continued crazy covid surge, on top of the fact that raising young children is incredibly physically, mentally, and emotionally draining, just showing up is enough. 

Not showing up is also enough. A woman in our Motherhood: Redefined program just took a month-long leave of absence from work to focus on herself and her family. Another mom in our community stayed at her in-laws house for two extra weeks after the holidays for some help with childcare. 

The only answer I have at this moment is what's keeping me going - continuing to reach out. Daily texts with friends, FaceTiming with west coast relatives, impromptu chats with neighbors, and waving to other parents at drop-off and pickup (on the occasional day schools are open...) remind me that I'm not alone in this. 

You may just be taking it day by day, hour by hour.

All we have to give to each other is being here.

We're still here for you.