Corona - Confinement day 5

7:20 am. The house is silent. Or did I hear something from the kids room? I decide it was the birds tsirping outside. Very silently (and skillfully,) I tip toe down the stairs, put my jogging gear on and step into the morning sun. The air, the sounds, the whole neighbourhood seems different, it is as if the nature has taking over. I can actually hear our peacock living in the park and sparrows fighting for their breakfast. I feel good. Free! Not confined at all. It will start today at noon. Only essential outings are allowed, and sports. We are fine with food and medication, but there is one place I would to go in the morning: the garden shop. Apparently I am not the only one having their salads in mind. The shop informs us they have to limit the people coming in and lines are already formed at 9 am outside. I will wait for the delivery service starting tomorrow.

My wonderful, good-humoured children wake up and we start homeschooling. Today, everybody wants mom to give instructions. I feel popular, but annoyed after a while, there is little progress. I take my eldest upstairs and we continue with Math. What do we have today? Calculations from fractions into decimals and vice versa. I feel a silent relief, I can still do this! I hear my husband is struggling with the middle ones down-stairs. Did I hear swearing? It is time for a break. I give the kids a small chocolate egg for the work well done (is this lying?) We go for a bike ride, again. This time there is little less whining. People are lining in front of shops, keeping well a distance. People are even lining for flowers!

I feel a bit ashamed to say, but we spent a wonderful spring afternoon in the sun. Girls finished their homework, played Cranium, cared for their rabbits. I have a call with my mom while enjoying the sun. I see my childhood garden in beautiful snow. In the evening I call my sister on the other side of the Ocean. They are so far, yet they seem to be so close.

It is all in the mind. We can keep our loved ones in our hearts despite how far they are. We can also create the feeling of space and freedom if we choose to do so.