Coronavirus has been all we’ve been talking about for who knows how long. It’s been life-changing for us all and finding a rainbow has been difficult. My boys are five and a half and three and a half, and it has really affected us. Back on March 12, we were all looking forward to the Mother Son Dance, or as my boys were calling it “The Mother Fun Dance”. We were planning our outfits, deciding what we would do for dinner before, if we would do anything after, what my husband was going to do for the time we were away, etc. It was such a big moment and an exciting time, not just for them, but for me as well.
It was canceled.
What a blow. I mean, I get it. Everything’s being canceled, especially now, plans are all changed. My boys didn’t understand, they had no clue what the heck was going on. Asking if it was going to be rescheduled? Asking why they canceled it? All things I didn’t have answers for and neither did my husband. We chose nothing other than to be honest and to tell them we didn’t know when it would be rescheduled or if it would be and that people were getting sick from this virus. They did their best to understand. We now know the dance will not be rescheduled and I am so glad we went on to do exactly what we did.
Change of Plans
The messages about the dance being canceled came through while I was at work. I’d spent a lot of time hoping it wouldn’t be. I went about working, but was thinking ok, what will we do now, how am I going to find the rainbow in this? My mom texted me saying a friend and co-worker of hers suggested we get dressed up anyway and go out to eat somewhere. Amazing idea! I was sold on that and immediately told my husband to have the boys pick a place for us to go.
We had a quick change of plans. When I got home we all got ready. I got my dress and heels on. The boys were in their amazingly handsome green vests and button-up shirts. Mind you, we had to drive all around just to find those. They looked absolutely adorable! After being fairly settled on Culver’s, my mom, aka GiGi, suggested Cracker Barrel. We talked the boys into that mainly because my oldest wanted “steak like Papa gets.” We found out for sure he could get it there and we headed out! I was loving it, and was so excited to take them out all dressed up…after getting plenty of pictures.
Date Night
We got to Cracker Barrel and there were so many people telling me my boys looked so handsome and a few people asked why they were dressed up. One gentleman said the boys reminded him of his boys when they were younger (melt my heart). Every single person we encountered made us feel so good, made us feel so amazing and had nothing but kind words to say.
In my mind, this was to all go wonderfully but I will remind you, I am a mother. My youngest went to the bathroom not once but three times. Three! We had a lot of bathroom trips, I did a lot of cutting of food, ate my own food cold but you know what? I actually ate! Winning! They ate every single bite, even helped finish some of my food. This is a big win, especially at a restaurant. You want them to eat a good meal when you’re spending the money on it, right?
As we finished up, we went to pay the bill and, lo and behold, my oldest has to go to the bathroom. When we talk about a kid taking forever…let’s just say the clock stops for this one. I had worn heels and by this time I was standing and waiting while my youngest checked out all the toys multiple times, and my feet hurt. Don’t worry, I was still smiling. They’re worth it!
The Silver Lining
Once we all went to the bathroom 100 times, we paid the bill. We headed off to Culver’s because, why not? Frozen custard is always a win! I was thankful I took them there at the end of the date because the “rainbow” destroyed their super amazingly cute outfits with that yumminess down the front. I believe they looked even cuter and it was a great change in plans.
Tummies full. Hearts happy. We turned what could have been a really bad night into unforgettable memories.
Looking back on this now, in the midst of the stay-at-home order, I cannot be more thankful for that mother-son date I had with my boys. I really don’t know when we will be able to do it again. That’s ok because right now I have these amazing memories to hold onto. Even if we went to the bathroom four thousand times!
This is what we want to carry on through this time in our lives: that we can always find a rainbow, even in a storm. What has been your rainbow during this time?
Want to add a little rainbow in your life? Check out this Easy Painted Door Activity.
