I had some ideas about getting the kids involved as well. They simply don’t have the attention span to walk in place. I need to be creative and I have an idea that might work.

While we can’t travel right now for a million reasons, I thought we could do so without leaving the house.

I know that sounds weird but hear me out. I was thinking of picking a location, printing out information about said location and placing this information throughout the house. I could then get the kids to hike around the house and learn about the location we selected. I’ve got some ideas on how to do this and I’ll share more at a later date.

Like I said, I’m trying to be creative here, not perfect.

The whole point is to help them keep their bodies and minds working. It’s pretty obvious this is a work in progress but it’s something.

The future is unknown at this point. I highly anticipate a very difficult and scary winter. I’ve no idea what we’re going to be doing for the upcoming holidays because we can’t go anywhere, even if we had the car back. It’s going to be emotionally challenging for a number of reasons. It’s going to be physically and financially challenging as well. Millions of families are struggling as a result of COVID and job loss.

I’m grateful for all that I have and never forget that many are worse off. It’s important to maintain perspective at times like these. Especially, at times like these.

Anyway, this whole thing is wearing thin and I think that’s a large part of our struggle. My saving grace right now is being able to talk with so many parents on the podcast. There’s a kinship of sorts between special needs parents and in difficult times, it really helps to stay connected.

On the depression front, I’m struggling a bit. Therapy is helping, as is my concerted effort to focus on my own selfcare. The utter loneliness is what really gets to me. I’m totally a independent person but I cherish human contact prefer the company of others. I’ve been without that for most of 2020 and it’s taking it’s toll.

Working out is helping and as dumb as it may sound, it feels so good to have run in place for 30 minutes. I wish I had a treadmill but I’m making do with what I have. The downside is I feel ridiculous while doing it but the upside is I save a ton of space. It’s not perfect by any stretch of the imagination but it is what it is and I’m really trying to make the best of what I have.

I feel like I’m setting a better example for the kids and I’m going to find a way to get them move active without making it hugely obvious to them what I’m doing it.

At the end of the day, we’re all safe and healthy. I think that matters a great deal in dark times like this. While I feel I’m totally dropping the ball in various parts of my life, I so proud of how far we’ve come.

With the winter months upon us, I hope to make our home a more comfortable place. Anything I can do to help us be more comfortable during our stay is going to make a bit easier on everyone.

I’m absolutely overwhelmed, stressed out beyond explanation, exhausted, frustrated, and even scared. However, I’m hopeful that we will get through this. It will take some time and it won’t be easy but my kids are totally worth it.