Categories

Archives

erin

erin

I'm Erin Jo. I'm thinking, writing, dreaming, mothering, loving, living, praising, BLESSED to be Fiona to my Shrek and Mommy to my four amazing kiddos.

dave

dave

Shrek is "like an onion with many layers" but has a heart of gold. He's my husband and my friend, and we just get better all the time.

lily

lily

Lily is my first baby and only girl. She's smart, funny, tall and kind. Keeping up with this girl is a challenge and a joy. She's terrific!

max

max

Max is one part ogre, two parts lover and all boy! Our little man has a temper but gives the best hugs of anyone I know!

colby

colby

Colby is as ornery as he looks. He flirts shamelessly, even with strangers. He's all mouth and curls and the loudest by far.

luke

luke

Luke is the baby of the family, but holds his own. He's happy and adorable. And he's a terrible sleeper. =)

How are you TODAY?

Team Roberts, Easter 2020

I once had someone very close to me serve time in prison. I learned a lot of things during that time. One of the lessons that has stuck with me, after more than 20 years, is that there is great wisdom in asking the question, “How are you TODAY?” In general, that person was probably not well, but “today?” Maybe they’re OK.

And that’s what I’m reminded of during this pandemic and throughout our “stay-at-home” executive order. My feelings, my experience change day to day. Some days? I’m OK. Other days? I just have to go to sleep and give it all to God. Because wow, what a $*^@show!

And that’s just me, as a mom, who still has a job and a lovely home and lots of amazing family and friends who have kept me connected, kept me sane.

There are others that are experiencing way crazier things than me, whether they are parents struggling to find out what’s for dinner because the cupboards are actually bare, or the doctor on the seventh long shift in a row, fighting to keep people alive. There are so many others.

Whether we like it or not, we have a front-row seat to history. We’re right here in the very first car of the roller coaster, seeing it unfold just the way it is unfolding, with no sneak peeks or warnings of the twists and turns ahead.

There’s some joy in that, but, mostly, a lot of risks. In this case, the biggest risk is contracting this crazy, evolving virus, about which we don’t know much for certain.

But there are other risks. We might lose ourselves. We might not leave the best impression on our kids, who, really, in twenty years, are only going to remember the skim of this, the overarching feeling we gave them in this time of uncertainty. There’s a risk that we might make an ass of ourself fighting on social media. We might lose friends.

As you go through this, remember that. Remember, as I say, to give yourself grace and to give those around you even more grace. I’ve tried to title these posts in tidbits of advice…. give “Grace,” “Hold the Bubble,” “Pivot,” be a “Pioneer.”

Around here, we’ve done lots of family activities. We’ve talked to our teachers and friends and family with the help of technology. We powered through an unusual, but blessed, Easter holiday. We colored eggs (and toes;) taped light sticks on our youngest, most energetic kids and let them dance in the dark for cool videos; turned our sidewalk and driveway into a challenging obstacle course; attended three different birthday parades; put up a dartboard that has given us hours of quality family entertainment and competition.

We fought. We laughed. We made memories.

Today, I urge you to ask yourself, your coworker, your neighbor, your momma: How are you TODAY? Put your best foot forward. Be brave on that roller coaster. Tighten your seatbelt, and hold on for the ride.

For you, my love, in spite of the fact that you did not choose to be, are on the cusp of history.

How are you TODAY?

3 Responses

  1. Julie says:

    I am good this AM. The sun is out after a very cold, gray week. Looking forward to a long bike ride this afternoon. Aiming to be grateful for that to push/keep the grumblies away.

  2. Julie mayle says:

    Good morning, Erin. Today is a good day so far.I have plans to finish my 2 week kitchen project. And, the sun is shining and friends and family all seem healthy. I love your blogs. And, I love the truth that you speak. How are you today is a great question to ask, everyday. Love you all!!

  3. How very true Erin. We all have the feeling that we are on a roller coaster. Seemingly our mood can turn on a dime and that’s ok. We have no idea where anyone is emotionally, the best thing we can do is ask and then just listen. Sometimes we just need to unload and sometimes we need to share our joy! I love you and your insight!

Leave a Reply to Julie

Click here to cancel reply.