One thing I never thought I’d be is a lunch lady… or a high school principal… or a PE coach… or a detention hall monitor.  But these are strange times. 

And, when my work moved home last week and my 17-year old’s junior year in High School moved out of the classroom a few days later, we found ourselves unfamiliar housemates.  Yes, we live together, but that’s at night and on weekends!  That’s over dinner, rushing through morning rituals and at family outings on weekends… but not day in, day out!  

The last time my son and I shared this much time, he was 3 and I was a LOT younger too.  We’ve each grown our own lives since then – separate schedules, separate friends and separate ways of doing things.  Being together has been an adjustment for sure.  

But, soon he’ll leave for college and our lives will further differentiate.  And, so, who knew that this confusing and uncertain time would offer us the blessing of reconnection.  Nothing to do, nowhere to go and no one to see.  Just time to remember all we’ve shared, time to appreciate all we’ve each become and time to confess all our hopes for the future. It’s been a beautiful and unexpected silver lining. 

Now, it’s time to go put your clothing away and get your homework done!

Thank you Jenn, for your story! “Inside Our Time” digital series: