My Pandemic Partner

Photo: Emma Lili Photography, Charleston

There are very few people with whom I could spend 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 10 weeks straight.

Lucky I’m married to one of them. 

And honestly, he’s one of the reasons why I’m not completely off balance. That goes for pre-Covid, too.

This past weekend, we put the computers away and worked together — cleaning out spaces in the basement, re-organizing areas, beautifying the garden. For a couple of days, everything was “normal”, whatever that means anymore. But we’re starting to think about making plans for the future and discussing what we’ll do “after this.”

But if there was a time for something to test your marriage, this has been it — emotions and stress running high while finances running low and the future is uncertain. Living and working in the same space, raising a family, making meals. Same couch, same bed, same table. Every day is same same, but different. 

We try and tap each other in and out — like a wrestling ring: you get school today, I’ll do dinner; you clean up, I’ll craft. Ebbing and flowing the days away. We’ve managed to find some quiet times and some independent hours, and while we’re not without our heated moments and frustration, we’re actually very fortunate. I recognize that, and it’s giving me a lot of comfort in this very uneasy time. 

To my dancing, life and Pandemic partner — thank you. 

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IMPORTANT:  I learned recently that domestic violence and incidences of abuse have increased significantly as a result of this pandemic time. Many people have nowhere to turn and are (literally) trapped in their own homes. If you need help, please reach out; there are support systems in place, shelters, local government, lawyers offices, trusted friends. If you need someone to talk to, or to point you in the right direction, DM.