I was trying to park in a crowded Jackson restaurant parking lot the other day and although I was a little perplexed by the lack of parking skills and available parking spaces, I became even more frustrated by the multiple signs that stated, “Because of Covid-19.” Ugh. Because of Covid-19 has become the “excuse” and reason for many of my life’s difficulties and bullshit.
Seriously. Because of Covid…Hotels still charge the same rates without any previous amenities. Restaurants can throw slop in a box without napkins, forks, or other condiments. Employees who are considered “essential” are put at risk for catching the virus, then the ripple effect of isolation and quarantine fucks everyone else’s work, schooling, and child care up.
Beyond the mess it makes for those who catch it and have mild symptoms, it can cause considerable health problems leading to lack of work which can cause considerable financial losses-and possibly up to the ultimate loss and the “debt that all men pay” death. I have many friends who are single earners or self-employed. Should they catch it they’ll be in a very precarious situation which has lead to many financial hardships.
The pandemic created problems right out the gate for me…and although I’m dancing on the stars because I’m with my human, it has created significant issues that effected many of my humans or others that have bearing on my life. But I digress.
“Because of Covid 19” will be the reason and answer for many peoples troubles this year and many years after… However, the thought that so many argue about how to address and manage the virus as well the negative effects of tearing apart families, friends, and less scientifically speaking, it’s created a new type of guilt that I have as a mom now.
Because of Covid-19, I have learned a new way to feel like shit for not protecting my littles. It’s gonna sound irrational but hear me out…
I cannot see this virus and I must assume that since everyone is testing “positive” regardless of symptoms being present, this virus is a super villain virus that can jump from person to person, live in clothing, and ultimately create a political nightmare bringing us to the brink of creating a civil war.
Our littles missed nearly half a year of school, vacations, trips to the library, playing in parks, socialization (which is very crucial during formative years) and normal and healthy family and friend interactions which lead to balanced healthyish adults. As a mom it’s painful to see them suffer, as a therapist I know the possible long range consequences of not having a solid foundation.
Plus-I added to the equation by moving them to another state. Which coincidentally, they’re still in school until who knows when, and they have a stable and structured home life. Due to distance there isn’t a flip flop of homing patterns. I know they miss some of their people, thankfully there is electronic forms of communication. It definitely helps me stay in contact.
But damn the mom guilt. They’re happy. They haven’t complained. But why do I look for their struggles. Beyond their current changes, as parents, we do this to ourselves. Almost to the point of creating new problems. So. What do you do? Play cards with them, have waffle and KPop dance parties, do a snow dance for them. Maybe take them to Disney?
Maybe that last one was for me…but it’ll ease mom guilt. I am curious though, how and why do you create parent guilt? Do you realize you do? If you don’t, how do you avoid it? Please let me know! I will be working on this area for growth and need more feedback.
As always…❤️ ~WM~
Whiskey Momma 