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by Emily Johnson
April 8, 2021
Every Friday, I treat my seven-year-old daughter to a donut. It’s one of the small joys we cling to as we navigate the chaos of the past year. She’s come to anticipate it, eagerly counting down the days until her weekly treat, which serves as a reward for enduring five days of remote learning under pandemic restrictions, where social interactions with friends are virtually nonexistent.
Last Wednesday, despite being on spring break, she was already excitedly announcing, “Only two more days until my donut!” During our family activities, she would often ponder aloud about sprinkles.
So, on a chilly yet sunny Friday afternoon in April, we found ourselves in a lengthy car line at a donut shop I selected for its drive-thru convenience. After a long week filled with emotional ups and downs—fatigue, boredom, and a lingering sense of dread—I was also grappling with a new emotion this week.
On her last day of school before the break, my daughter returned home, bubbling with joy about her teacher flying to California and a classmate going on a Disney cruise. Other families I know were traveling too; some were visiting relatives, while others were simply enjoying vacations. Meanwhile, we remained at home, confined to our driveway, living room, and kitchen.
Local outdoor activities were booked solid due to COVID restrictions, and the cold weather made them less inviting. I juggled my work in the mornings while my daughter entertained herself with YouTube, then devoted my afternoons to teaching her how to ride her bike, engaging in spy games with walkie-talkies, and attempting the choreography from the “Treat People with Kindness” video. We also created our own version of Netflix’s “Sugar Rush,” where she and I whipped up random themed treats, followed by a whirlwind of cleanup.
While this may sound like a dream, after 13 months of being her primary companion, the forced fun of spring break nearly pushed me over the edge. I limited my social media scrolling to avoid images of friends traveling, hugging relatives, or enjoying group gatherings. When I did encounter such posts, I took a deep breath, reminding myself that many of them were likely vaccinated, even if that seemed improbable. Still, I was genuinely happy for them; they deserved a break. But that feeling was fleeting.
For some inexplicable reason, the drive-thru line at the donut shop crawled at a snail’s pace, and after 25 minutes, it was finally our turn. As I pulled up to the window, my daughter suddenly exclaimed from the backseat, “Mom, he’s not wearing a mask!” Surely, I thought, she must be mistaken.
But no.
As I approached the drive-thru window, the young employee handed us her donut with a grin and wished us a pleasant day—all without a mask. I was taken aback; I hadn’t seen a stranger’s unmasked smile in months. Unsure of what to do, I grabbed the donut bag, tossed it into the front seat, and told my daughter she couldn’t eat it.
I knew that surfaces weren’t a major transmission risk, and it was probably safe for her to enjoy the donut. However, my anger was palpable—I felt violated by the unexpected smile, and I wanted her to understand that this was unacceptable.
We drove another 15 minutes to our local donut shop, which doesn’t have a drive-thru, evading indoor diners to procure her donut (minus the sprinkles).
There’s been a lot to be frustrated about recently. I’ve always been irked by people who disregard COVID protocols, but now, at this stage in the pandemic, anyone’s cavalier attitude sends me into a rage. I’ve been simmering over that drive-thru encounter for days.
I understand why some people are tired of following guidelines—believe me, I feel the same way. But we are SO CLOSE to overcoming this! Every unvaccinated individual who discards their mask, travels without quarantining, or invites friends over because they feel isolated makes it more challenging for the rest of us. I yearn to do those things too; yet, because of their actions, I must wait even longer. It feels like being stuck in that drive-thru line, watching cars cut ahead while I remain stagnant.
According to the New York Times, residents in my area face a “very high risk” of COVID exposure (hospitalizations have risen by 42%), indicating that we should avoid nonessential travel. During my daughter’s five days off school, over 4,000 Americans succumbed to COVID. And have you heard about Michigan?
I reached out to friends who are also trying to remain vigilant about COVID, and they share my intense frustration with those who break the rules. One unvaccinated parent, who also stayed home over spring break, mentioned that her colleagues had flown to Jamaica and England. “Have you screamed recently?” she asked. When I explained my daughter was always nearby, she suggested I lock myself in the car for a good release. “It might take a few tries to let it all out,” she added.
I’ll give it a shot. In the meantime, I hope everyone enjoyed their spring break. If you traveled somewhere fabulous and aren’t vaccinated, please refrain from sharing it with me.
For more insights on home insemination, check out this informative article on our blog. Additionally, if you’re exploring fertility options, the Fertility Booster for Men is a valuable resource. For more information on pregnancy and infertility, visit the CDC.
Summary:
This article recounts a mother’s frustrating experience at a drive-thru donut shop where an employee was not wearing a mask, highlighting her feelings of anger and disappointment during the ongoing pandemic. The author reflects on the emotional toll of staying home while others travel freely and the challenges of remaining vigilant against COVID-19. She urges readers to consider the impact of their choices on those who are trying to adhere to health guidelines, emphasizing the close proximity to overcoming the pandemic.
SEO Metadata:
My Frustrating Drive-Thru Encounter, COVID-19, pandemic, drive-thru experience, parenting during COVID, emotional toll of the pandemic, health guidelines, frustration with COVID protocols
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