I’ll never forget it; one day in my classroom, a colleague mentioned she was worried about the coronavirus and whether it would make its way to the U.S. I admit, I was not scared that day. The word “pandemic” was not on my radar. So I did not think much of it until…

Schools closed.

Restaurants closed.

Stores closed.

Daycare closed.

My compromised husband couldn’t work.

A relative was diagnosed with COVID-19. 

A friend working in healthcare was sending pictures of her PPE.

Masks were worn.

Hand sanitizer was a high-priced commodity. 

People were afraid.

I was afraid. 

My husband, family, and I have been through some trying times. But this time has proven to be the hardest. The family member who was diagnosed with COVID-19 passed away. My husband was furloughed. I was just laid off.

I don’t know what the future will look like for our family. But I can honestly say that when we recover from this, I know we will be better. Better at telling each other we love them. Better at washing our hands. Better at cherishing the moments together. We can get through this. And we’ll be better — stronger — for it.