Happy Friday!
The Cousin Crew had a fantastic day of what they have dubbed "The Cousintine Summer." They dyed t-shirts, engaged in the first water balloon fight, raged a war with water guns and finished the night with an epic glow battle. Timmy was delighted to be fully included this year. He is very quick to remind everybody, at any opportunity, that he is in the Cousin Crew.
The world feels like it is imploding, but these kids make me smile.
Our first full day the Cousin Crew, Quarantine Edition was a rousing success. All of the kids know that we can't travel beyond Nana's neighborhood, and that we cannot invite neighbors and friends into the social circle right now. Instead of complaining about being "stuck" at home, they filled the time with games and sharing stories.
Listening to teenage laughter and Timmy's giggling makes my heart feel better. In a world full of extreme chaos, listening to the Cousin Crew talk and play gives me increased hope for the future. These kids have zero tolerance for racism and racial exclusion. They make me so proud!
My Mom, niece and nephews have been dutifully quarantining for the past month in the hopes of sparking a reunion. Yesterday, after consulting with Timmy's doctors, we were finally granted permission to visit. I wish I had videoed Timmy's reaction when I asked him if he was ready to go visit his Nana. His squeals and giggles of joys are something I hope to never forget.
We packed up and headed North in what felt like record time. Both boys were so excited about our trip that they chatted and planned adventures the entire drive. I kept reminding Robby and Timmy, and finally the entire Cousin Crew, that while we were cleared to be together the quarantine is still in effect.
We are not going anywhere. There are no getaway adventures. There will be no trips to the mall or for ice cream. We are able to be together which, right now, is more than enough.
This morning I am waking up at my Mom's house. Timmy is happily eating a blueberry muffin in my Nana's bed, grinning from ear-to-ear. Although I went to bed at 10, I know that the Cousin Crew was up for most of the night because I heard them laughing into the wee hours of the morning. Somehow, waking up to sounds of laughter doesn't bother me right now.
The news left me feeling helplessly overwhelmed. While I am more comfortable with my head in the sand on the issue of racism, pretending that it does not exist is part of the problem. Racism is alive and thriving in our country. This admission has left me shattered.
Robby and I had a long and open discussion about racism and the events unfolding. He was shaken but resolved to be part of the change. He took Timmy's sidewalk chalk to the end of the driveway and wrote messages of support for the protestors. Maybe there is hope for the next generation?
Timmy, who is too young to understand the protests, was content and happy to spend his afternoon in his new pool. I swore I would never do another Easy-Set pool after the disaster ten years ago, but this summer we felt like it was the perfect recreation solution. Because all pools have been closed due to the pandemic, our only options for swimming will be those we create at home.
Sitting in the middle of our driveway, next to our trampoline, is our brand new 10 ft round by 32 inches deep pool. Obviously I won't be swimming laps, but it is the perfect size for cooling off with Timmy. It is a little lopsided, but it works.
Timmy is delighted with his new pool. He hopped into it as soon as the hose began to flow. The cool temperatures and the cold water over the past few days have done nothing to dissuade my little fish. (Oddly, he finds particular delight in swimming completely naked.)
Unplugging from the news and watching him play leaves me feeling happy and relaxed.
A 14th birthday, a pandemic, riots across the country and a rocket launch. My goodness this weekend was eventful. I'm starting a new week feeling frazzled and emotionally spent from the events from the past three days. My heart aches this morning.
Despite all of the growing tensions and the pandemic, Robby had a fantastic birthday. He spent the day at home, enjoying being doted upon and receiving calls from all of his friends. We showered him with attention and love, treating him like a king for the day. It is hard to believe that my little Koopa is now a full blown teenager, but I could not be prouder of the young man he is becoming.
Each evening Scott and I found ourselves glued to the television, watching the riots raging across the country. I am scared and heartbroken. We are at a cross roads in this country and I pray that we, collectively, chose the correct path. I fear what we will become if our course is not corrected.
