• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

My Virus Thoughts

March 31, 2020 | family

When we first heard about this novel Coronavirus, I made sure to talk to Emma Kate about washing her hands well and not touching her face. I began to watch the news (I hate the news) and stay updated. Then very quickly, things escalated. EK’s school closed, businesses started to close, and our world changed.

To be honest, the first week or two didn’t phase me a whole lot. What I mean by that is, I wasn’t depressed or scared or feeling hopeless. We were very careful and didn’t leave the house except to grocery shop or bring food to my parents. Bobby still has to go to work, but he only sees a couple of people and has his own office. Then, sometime last week, things started to get more real for me.

It started when our church sent out an email stating they were for sure only doing online services through at least the week after Easter. That one really, really got to me. Not going to church on Easter Sunday? I am 34 years old and have gone to church on Easter Sunday (well, every Sunday, but you get the idea) for 34 years. I know it seems silly, but I got a little choked up about no Easter dresses, Easter egg hunts, bunny photos, or Sunday service saying “He is risen! He is risen indeed!” That was the first night that I cried myself to sleep.

Then, I had to pick up Emma Kate’s school packet. Up until this point, we were only told they were closed through April 3rd. However, when I got the packet, it had work in it for the next two weeks. I knew we would not be going back April 3rd. Soon after I began hearing reports of certain states saying they were not going back to school at all for this school year. My heart began to hurt not only for my daughter who LOVES school and will never get this time back, but also for all the seniors, college grads, and other kids that were in that “special” year of life and they will never get this time back.

On Sunday, President Trump held a press conference where he stated that he was extending our social distancing tactics as a country through at least April 30th. This was on March 29th. That night was again particularly hard for me as I thought of how far away this is, of each day being the same, groundhog day over and over again, juggling my house, work, and homeschooling a 5-year-old. Yall, I know I used to teach, but I stopped for a reason. This is not my calling and it has been difficult for me to transition to doing. Emma Kate loves crafts and circle time and her friends. I can’t give her those things. She wants to read so badly. I get so frustrated with her and it’s hard.

Then Disney announced they will be closed indefinitely, and more realities began to sink in. (Yall, this is all on top of how devastating it is that people are sick and dying, please don’t think that I have “forgotten” about that because I am talking about my family and what we are feeling. You can grieve something without taking away from something else.) Our huge family trip for the year was canceled, I worked so hard to make it a reality and align all the stars with the dates we could make it work.

I hate that my 5-year-old knows the word coronavirus, and that she knows she can’t touch or hug her grandparents. I hate that when she makes a wish on what she calls a “puffeler” amongst the weeds in the yard, she wishes that the virus would go away forever instead of wishing for candy or unicorns or a Disney trip like she used to do.

I feel like a part of her innocence has been taken away and it’s not ok. To me, it is reminiscent of how I felt as an 11th grader during 9/11. Words I was unfamiliar with became a part of my everyday vocabulary like Iraq. Terrorist. Twin towers. Afganistan. I feel it was a defining moment in my generation, and this will forever be one for her. Things can never go back 100% the way they were. 9/11 was how many years ago? I’m still a little scared every time I get on an airplane. I don’t like to sit with my back to doors so I can see everyone in a room and what they are or aren’t doing. After a huge event, you always see things differently. Will we always be afraid to hug others or shake hands? What about being in a crowded space or theme park? Will we forever freak out when someone coughs within ten feet of us? I don’t know.

As a parent, you want to give your child this beautiful and perfect world, you know, the way that they see it through their eyes. It kills you when they are forced to experience hard jolts of reality, especially at such a young age.

Yes, I took it for granted. Yes, I want things to somewhat “go back to how they were.” But they can’t. Not completely. But, for now, I will try to make things as normal for her as possible. She doesn’t need to know. She doesn’t need to realize what she is missing. I want her to stay little and unaware as long as possible.

So tonight I may cry, but I won’t do it in front of her. Then, I will get up and we will draw with sidewalk chalk, and dance around the living room, do schoolwork and go on walks. And I will thank God for another day of health, safety, and time together. We aren’t promised another day, so let’s try our best to work with what we’ve got.

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • 5 Reasons to Try a New Way of Travel
  • Experience Superhero-Sized Fun at Gaylord Opryland DC Summer
  • Digital Nomads: Safely Working Remotely While You Roam
  • Tips for Surviving (and Thriving) as a Travel Ball Mom
  • Protecting Your Kids’ Eyes In the Digital Age

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
🇺🇸 Bold stripes, bright stars, brave hearts 🇺🇸 Bold stripes, bright stars, brave hearts ❤️ 
Happy Birthday, America! 

Peep the last photo for a 4 year comparison of EK at the parade. 🥰

#4thofjulyweekend #4thofjulyparade #letfreedomring #partyintheusa
When was the last time you truly relaxed? 🛁✨ When was the last time you truly relaxed? 🛁✨

We escaped to The Alpine Haven Cabin near Gatlinburg and wow… from the jetted soaking tub with a fireplace, to the private indoor pool, sauna, and steam room—it felt like our own personal spa retreat. 🔥🧖‍♀️

Whether you need a romantic getaway, a family trip, or just a little peace and quiet, this place has everything. We left feeling completely recharged. 💆‍♀️🌲

Ready to book your escape? Use code HEATHER10 for 10% off your stay! Link in bio to check out these dreamy luxury mountain cabins! 🏔️ @alpine_haven_cabin_spa

#Alpinehavenpartner GatlinburgCabin #MountainRetreat #SpaGetaway #RelaxAndRecharge #CabinVibes  #FlourishAndGlow #alpinehavencabin
Boy were they wrong. 🤪 🔗 in bio to book wit Boy were they wrong. 🤪

🔗 in bio to book with the best discounts. Share with someone you want to cruise with! 🚢 

#virginvoyages #virginvoyagesvaliantlady #valiantlady #cruiseship #holyairball
#AD | Busy mom life = always on the go, but a quic #AD | Busy mom life = always on the go, but a quick stop at @McDonalds makes it easy to treat my girl and grab a little pick-me-up for myself. 🙌💙 With the new Under $3 McValue Menu, we can enjoy frozen drinks, snacks, and more—all for under $3, all day, every day! 🥤💸 

From Frozen Blue Raspberry to Frozen Coke, it’s the perfect way to take a breather before heading to the next activity—and ordering ahead in the app keeps things simple. 👏

#McValue #McDonalds
That time Bobby put on hand sanitizer instead of s That time Bobby put on hand sanitizer instead of sunscreen. 👀😆 ☀️ 

#poolday #husbandandwife #loveandmarriage
We originally got it as a solution for rainy or co We originally got it as a solution for rainy or cold days during the holidays, but it quickly became part of our weekly routine — especially for family game night or those super hot afternoons when going outside just isn’t an option.

What I love most? It gets us laughing, playing, and moving together. The games are active and designed with real child development principles in mind — which means I feel good about the screen time. And when she plays solo? I know she’s safe — no online strangers, just fun, movement, and confidence-building play.

Whether we’re all competing or she’s playing on her own, @nexplayground has become one of our favorite ways to stay active and connected as a family.
Grab yours on Amazon — and don’t miss it during Prime Day!

#NexPlayground #FamilyGameNight #IndoorPlay #Momhack #SummerSolutions #ad #nexplaygroundonamazon #playthatmovesyou #activeplay #familyplaytime #kidgiftideas #kidsummerideas
I call it the lazy girl’s cookies ‘n cream dre I call it the lazy girl’s cookies ‘n cream dream cake—because it’s quick, no-bake, and made with love (and @BRCIceCream frozen treats 😉). #BlueRibbonClassics_Partner

This little recipe is one my mom used to make with me, and now I get to pass it down to my daughter. It’s messy, a little imperfect… and absolutely delicious. 💙

All you need is:

🍦  Blue Ribbon Classics Cookies ‘n Cream frozen hand-held treats

🍫 Whipped cream

🍪 Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies

➡️ Layer, freeze, slice, and enjoy!

Affordable. Easy. And honestly? A sweet memory in the making.

📍Find Blue Ribbon Classics hand-held treats near you. Link in stories.

#blueribbonclassics #brcicecream #makeitsweet #CookiesNCreamBar #NoBakeDessert #MomLife #SweetMemories #BusyMomHack

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.

    %d