Locked down.

We saw it coming, sure, but it still sucks.

Scott’s ward (Haematology) has been officially locked down until further notice to protect the very vulnerable patients currently undergoing treatment. This means he can not have any visitors – even me 😦 and that his only interactions will be with his medical team.

This makes total sense… why would those with little to no immune system have visitors who could potentially be carriers of the Coronavirus?

Yesterday, Scott’s Aunt Nanci and I put together a two-week package of snacks/clean clothing and bedding, which she delivered to Scott’s social support worker in front of the locked ward doors. The idea of having to ask his nurse every time he wants a snack is not ideal for Scott so we sent snacks that are appealing (at least for now) and easily accessed.

This lock down couldn’t come at a worse time… he is on the brink of the hardest days of the transplant process, as his immune system is completely obliterated and he is feeling horrible. Though he may not interact with visitors a lot over the next week or so, it is now that someone familiar sitting beside him as he comes in and out is so needed. I hate that he is alone. I hate that an already crappy situation is made worse. But I don’t hate that he’s being protected from this threatening virus, because when “they” refer to those most at risk, that includes our guy. Ultimately we want him to come home to a healthy family in 2-3 weeks. And he acknowledges that, because being back with us is literally what keeps him motivated through this….

Scott is SUCH a social person. He needs interaction, conversation, engagement. He also likes to pass uncomfortable/lonely/boring hours by watching golf for 4 / 7 days of the week… this is really poor timing for everything to be on hiatus. <– this is not to take away from the seriousness of the COVID-19 … but really, he didn’t need this right now.

My heart has been so warmed by the offers of help even amid all this chaos in everyone’s lives. Our village is the best. Thank you. I have not planned an action-packed academic schedule during isolation, nor have I attempted any sort of routine. I am focused on loving our kiddos through this uncertain period of their lives, and thankful that they are doing the same for me. There have been tears, raised voices and emotional meltdowns (from all of us) – but Dad will be home soon, and I can go back to playing “Good Cop”. And FYI following through with consequences is extra hard when you’re together alllll the time. Losing all screen time seems smart in theory… but in practice, who is being punished?