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My beautiful readers, I am hoping as you read this, you are all well. This is my third attempt, as the first version had to be rewritten in light of the current circumstances. I could no longer share all the graduation hype and parties that were on the calendar. The last family trip we were taking as Henry graduates and heads off to a Service academy is now stripped away.
I was so excited to share all those exciting things with all of you. Unfortunately, we all have had a change in plans. This issue is still about family and the strength that we can find in genuinely unprecedented times. (Side note: I don’t think that I have ever used that phrase before this pandemic; now it’s literally every day.)
I just finished my very first day of homeschooling, trying to work from home while navigating all of these ever-changing minute by minute “unprecedented times.” Well hell, no reason to candy coat anything—today was a complete and utter FAIL! I envisioned all of us at different work stations embracing our new normal. Occasionally looking up and giving the nod or wink and sharing a few moments of what our day entailed. I even planned what a beautiful lunch I was going to make. I honestly thought we may also play a board game before we got back to our work. Let me tell all of my beautiful mamas: none of that happened, not even a PB&J lunch. Today, I embarrassed the program. (That’s a Theisen quote I say to my children every time they walk out the door: “Don’t embarrass the program.”)
In defense of myself, I started the day with little-to-no sleep; so there’s that. I lied awake, wondering what graduation will look like or not look like for my Henry. He is a man of few words, but I can feel that he is unsettled, and the unknown is scary. I look at my sweet Quinn, who was profusely crying when we went to my mom’s for an Irish meal on St. Patrick’s day. He was deathly afraid of getting her sick. I assured him all would be well, and then I caught myself because I don’t know that it will all be well. The fear in his little eyes was so real; it’s my job to assure this sweet boy that we will all be okay.
Grace was home for spring break, and the realization that she was not prepared to be home this long has set in. My understanding that she’s now made a home in Omaha is gradually sinking in, too. Her friends, her work, her books, her clothes, and her routine are all back in her apartment waiting for her return. She is anxious. My organized, collected planned girl is uneasy and scared. Thus, tempers were running short for all of us.
My Gus—who has never watched the news with me—has come and sat down quietly, listening and watching as he sees all his favorite things slip away. No more March Madness, no more NBA, no more sports to occupy his mind. He has worked so hard anticipating an exciting track season. The place where Gus finds solace, the gym, is now gone for the time being. He is quiet as the things he loves are slipping away.
My Joe, the jet setter, just came back from a work trip to Costa Rica. He’d planned a trip to Vegas, which was cut short. He is self quarantining in his swanky downtown Minneapolis apartment. He has managed to keep his sense of humor and assures me there is a gas station across the street; no need to worry about food for him. UGH! He thought all of this was overplayed, as many of us did at the beginning. He, too, has realized the impact to his work and colleagues … and that this may be a long a haul. We have talked daily and shared Netflix picks. He always has an excellent series to tell me about.
Amongst all the Corona Virus madness, the Chippewa Valley lost an amazing man. He was one of the best humans that I know and truly the best example I ever had of what a good dad and husband should look like. I can still hear him say, “Hey Jen”; with his great big smile and tinge of southern Mississippi accent. Every time you walked into a room he made you feel welcome and special. Dave Fish, you left a legacy with your amazing children and love of your family. You showed us all what true love looks like; you loved Diane so very much; what an honor that I got to witness that. I can’t imagine how the Fish family will navigate all this during these “unprecedented times.” Still, in true Fish fashion, they will rise to the occasion and keep on swimming.
I promised myself that I was going to remain calm in all of this. Well, friends, today I failed. I was tired and sad. We all need to give each other compassion and reassurance during these most difficult times. We need to realize we are going through “unprecedented times” – it’s not easy and not perfect. I will continue to pray for littles that rely on food at school and for the babies whose safest part of their day is attending school. May we all help that neighbor that needs something and maybe can’t get out. May we remember that we shall prevail and that God is with us. Cling to the ones you love. This issue will give you many uplifting stories of families and perhaps a moment of quiet peace in these new challenging times. Today I am going to forgive myself and share a little grace and know tomorrow will be a better day. The journey continues in faith, family, friends, fitness, and finance.
Jen Theisen
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
