Safe at Home

Dear Chloe Hannah,

Right now, you’re asleep down the hall...at home. Selfishly, I’m happy you’re home. You’re always welcome, and I love being able to see your groggy, sleepy smile when you wake up. But I’m also sad. You’ve been home since March, when you should have just been home this week. There are so many activities and experiences and events you “should” have had. I should be driving you to Miami tomorrow to board a plane for a study abroad program in Spain. I should be buying you a car so you can work this summer when you return. Our world is upside down right now. I don’t want to be sad. I don’t want to think about the empty calendar and what “should” have been. What amazes me is watching you in this upside down world. You don’t show your sadness. You haven’t shut down or rebelled or raged against it all. You studied for finals and took exams...at home. You packed up your dorm and organized it all to fit here...at home. You started a new book...at home. You learned a new creative art skill of dot journaling...at home. You applied for a leadership role for a school organization for next year...at home. You bought a kiddie pool for the yard...at home. You've spent endless hours playing with your little brother (darts, obstacle courses, bike rides, board games, Nintendo...) ...at home. You’ve worshipped online...at home. I do know you are feeling the feels. I know you’ve had to completely pivot and adapt. You had a plan for your college career that was totally derailed. You adjusted it, you took it on, and you changed course. You weren’t consumed by sadness. You displayed your optimism and hope. What I hope is that this turns out to be one of the biggest challenges you face in life. I hope this is “the big one”. I hope this is an example of what you’ve got in you. I applaud your resiliency. I applaud your faith. I am grateful for the unexpected experiences. I’m grateful for the extra kisses. I’m grateful for the example you’ve provided. I’m grateful you’re here to help balance and keep our heads on straight. I’m grateful to have you here with me...safe at home. My prayer for you though is that you return to school soon, and that you get to leave home again soon! 🙏🏻😷 Love you the most!