After five long months, Adam and Hannah return to school tomorrow. Rebecca starts back the following week. It feels like forever since we have seen them in their school uniforms but tomorrow morning the alarm clock will be set for 6 a.m. and organised chaos will again descend upon the Black household. No more lying in until lunchtime, the return of homework and dirty sports kits. It’s another step towards normality, or at least we hope it is.
Of course, the kids are returning to a very different school environment from the one they left. Social distancing, mask wearing and enhanced hand hygiene will be the mantra preached by their teachers and classroom assistants, policies we wholeheartedly support. We know the children are going into safe, secure schools where the necessary steps have been taken to minimise as much as possible the risk of the virus being transmitted and spread.
There will be some anxiety, that is only natural, but the overriding emotions are those of relief and excitement. Looking forward to meeting school friends who they have barely seen in months, tackling fresh subjects, a return to how their lives should be. Kids should not be cooped up indoors for months on end, even though it was a necessary evil. They need to be outdoors, living their lives and learning more about how the world works.
We hope that this is another step in the right direction, that the days of fear and lockdown are forever behind us. The virus is still out there, it doesn’t rest and will strike again and again if we become complacent and allow our guard to slip. All we can do is follow the rules in order to protect ourselves, our loved ones and the wider community. I hope that, wherever you are today, you are safe and well. I hope you are walking towards normality.
Black Thoughts 
It’s still chaos & craziness here in the States.
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In Kentucky we continue to carefully open while our numbers increase at an alarming rate…luckily out wonderful Governor doesn’t hesitate to reign it in when necessary, regardless of the negative feedback he receives. Our state fair and Kentucky Derby will go on without the public, the best of a bad bargain.
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Sorry to hear that 😕
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Hope all goes well for them and they enjoy being with their school friends again. I agree, the children need to be back. I also agree that we must beware of becoming complacent. I’m sure the schools are making things as safe as possible.
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They are. Lesley. Thank you for caring.
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Wishing you all safety and health. Here in the United States, we are just holding on, and schools are reversing openings. This was a hopeful post. Thank you.
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You’re welcome. Hang in there 😊
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I would like to be more hopeful, but I do think this pandemic is far from over. I don’t think things will ever be as they were pre-pandemic. However, it is as important to help children grow emotionally as well as intellectually and school does meet the need for social interaction. I pray all children will be safe and the spread of the virus minimal. Take care, Stephen.
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Thank you very much, Carol. You too 🙂
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Thanks ❤
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Hope it goes well. Schools here – some are not making it safe enough and here kids are big spreaders…. I hope it goes well!!
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Thank you 😊
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Yay for your kids! I’m sure they’re excited. I hope they stay safe and happy. My grandkids are a split decision. The one in Boston, MA is going back to her private school. The two here in the Washington, DC area will do distance learning in their public school. Let’s hope everyone acts responsibly so everyone stays safe.
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Thank you. Let’s hope so.
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We begin school today, too. Things are almost normal in our area! I think restrictions are as loose as they will be until we have a vaccine.
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Hi Shae. Please stay safe 🙂
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God’s blessings to you all as you walk toward normality. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to be a working parent during the time of a global pandemic.
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Thank you very much 🙂
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Good luck at school and work.
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Thank you.
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I am glad to hear it. In-person human contact is a necessary part of life, especially for kids learning how to make their way in the world.
I pray the anxieties will be kept in check as much as they need to be, so the return to school will be a positive experience.
Peace, and keep on keeping on.
(P.S. I purchased Skelly’s Square last weekend and I’m really enjoying it so far. Well written characters who feel very real, and I look forward to learning more about them as I read on!)
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So true. We must all keep on going. The virus isnt going away soon. It is here with us, and will be for the forseeable future
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I’m afraid it is. Stay safe 🙏🏻
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