This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially announced COVID-19 (coronavirus) as a global pandemic. Like many parents, I’m grappling with the implications of this declaration and the potential impact on my loved ones. I’m caught between the extremes of panic and preparedness—stocking up on necessary supplies while trying not to contribute to the chaos of hoarding.
As I cautiously follow the news and adopt a wait-and-see stance, I hold on to the hope that the spread of the virus will be contained and that the grim forecasts will not materialize. Yet, my situation differs from most parents; I am a solo parent and a young widow, carrying the weight of grief and the realization that life can change in an instant. I know firsthand that tragedy can affect us all, and that the concept of a “happily ever after” is not guaranteed.
Every day, I find myself walking the tightrope between preparation and anxiety without a partner to share the load. I watch the news and receive constant updates, without anyone to reassure me that I’m overreacting or to promise that we will make it through this together. The thought of falling ill terrifies me—who will care for my children? Who will fetch groceries or manage the household chores if I am unable? And even beyond illness, how will I cope mentally if quarantine becomes necessary without another adult to lean on?
I often feel as though I’m standing alone in front of my two kids, shielding them from the oncoming storm that threatens our fragile world. I can’t shake the feeling that everything would seem less daunting if my husband were still by my side. The uncertainty of the future feels heavier when it’s just me—me, who sometimes feels too small and overwhelmed to protect my children from a world that seems on the brink of chaos.
While these thoughts might come across as pessimistic, I strive to face my reality with resilience. I aim to acknowledge my fears while also choosing to breathe deeply and trust myself. I trust in my ability to parent solo. I trust that my kids know how to handle emergencies, or at the very least, that they won’t accidentally set the house on fire if I’m not at my best.
I also trust in the preparations I’ve made. If I fall seriously ill, I have contingency plans in place for my kids. If I’m only mildly sick, we have enough non-perishable food to sustain us, and I have set up a Netflix subscription to keep my kids entertained during any downtime. (Yes, I realize that’s a trivial concern, but for a solo parent, Netflix is a lifeline.)
I remind myself that I’ve navigated hard times before. I’ve stood tall against waves of uncertainty and come out on the other side, even when everything felt overwhelming.
This isn’t a plea for sympathy directed at solo parents or young widows; every household faces its own set of challenges. The truth is, none of us can predict what the coming weeks will hold, and anxiety is a common thread woven through all types of families as we strive to protect our loved ones.
Perhaps in these moments of helplessness, as we confront the reality of a global pandemic, we can take a step back and remember that we are all doing our best. Each of us has a unique story, and a little extra compassion and empathy for one another can go a long way. Because even when we feel isolated, we’re not truly alone.
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