You Can ALWAYS Come HOME

Seven weeks ago we got a call from Emily, our daughter who lives in New York City.   After watching the alarming news depicting NYC and the Coronavirus Pandemic, we were relieved when she asked if she could come home.  She explained her first concern was our protection from the virus even though she had been working from home, had used caution and had not experienced any of the symptoms. “You can always come home!”  Emily, her boyfriend, Adrian and Henry, her beloved 13 year old Chihuahua were on their way home.  In the first few minutes after arrival, they moved our furniture to allow social distance, designated two different spaces for meals, assigned meal preparation to us as they did not want to contaminate our food, and the list could go on. Seven weeks ago we were still somewhat relaxed about the Pandemic but the NYC patrol was on duty in our home. As we were reminded, we are of that age that is most vulnerable.

Coronavirus Pandemic Rocks the Empty Nest

George and I pride ourselves with raising two very independent, productive, confident women.  After our girls left home and were off our payroll, our lives changed.  We enjoy waking up to complete silence, may get dressed later, have new routines that are not interrupted, take spur of the moment trips, try new hobbies, and have taken the time to reinvest in our relationship.  I have started a second career as a realtor and George has a role of coaching me after many years in sales.  To be honest, we have the most freedom now than any other time in our lives.  I must admit that we are somewhat spoiled.  

Adult Roomies and a Chihuahua

Emily and Adrian immediately created a space for their offices as they began work early the next morning.  They moved desks, set up their monitors in two different rooms so were ready for what we soon learned, a very long day of meetings at the home office.  The first day, George called to Emily to ask a question.  I had to put a sign up that read. “Quiet, Emily is working.”.  We soon learned that we had to be more respectful of our adult roommates.  That is the key to this cohabitation...they are ADULTS.  Our roommates did all of our food shopping, wiped off each package with disinfectant before bringing into the house, and introduced us to many new foods and recipes.  After the first two weeks, we joined each other for meals at the same table with interesting conversations.  One team prepares the food and the other team completes cleanup.  Everyone does their own laundry and makes sure to leave the washer and dryer free for the next person.  As we are guilty of watching more TV and at a higher volume...we are at that age...we have made some adjustments.  Henry has made several adjustments too.  He now has two beds in different rooms of the house, but prefers sleeping on a heated throw adjusted to the highest setting. I must say, though very unexpected, this time with adult children has been not only educational but also a wonderful family time.