One year ago my kids came home from school for Spring Break and never went back.

The world shut down and we had to stay inside for three months. Our lives turned a complete 180. Our family thrives on routine, so when that was taken away it got hard.

We had to do therapy over video chat. We couldn’t go to school, or anywhere for that matter. We stopped seeing grandparents and extended family members. We spent holidays with just the five of us.

Nicholas and Daniel did really well with the telehealth therapy, but I saw a regression with Grace. She didn’t like it at all. Once she was diagnosed with autism in August, we were able to get therapists back in the home.

Since we couldn’t go anywhere, we spent a lot of time outside on walks or in the backyard. We moved into our new house two weeks before quarantine started, so it was nice being in a house instead of an apartment during that time.

We did a lot of video chatting with grandparents, cousins, and friends. We are fortunate that we live in a time where we can connect with people in so many different ways.

Once the stay-at-home orders were lifted and we could go out again, we had to wear masks everywhere, which was a different challenge for my family. We were refused services at the eye doctor and at church for not wearing masks. It was hard, but with a lot of practice, we can finally go places again.

This past year was challenging, but there was also so much good that came out of it.

Both Nicholas and Grace started walking on their own. Daniel could pedal his bike. We didn’t need the stroller at the park anymore.

Steve and I were both able to keep our jobs. We started an intentional movie date night every Friday and are still doing it 10 months later. With Steve working from home, I’ve been planning our doctor appointments around him being home. It’s been really nice having his help when he can.

We only got sick once last year. We saved money by not going out to eat all the time. We became closer as a family again. We started new family traditions for the holidays.

With so many people getting the vaccine already, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I hope we can get back to a new normal soon, so we can be with the people we haven’t seen in a long time, and go to places we haven’t been able to go.

Last summer was the first time we felt comfortable enough to do more things as a family, but we couldn’t. I hope this summer is much different. We’re ready to venture out into the world.