Posts by Melissa Menny
Pandemic Motherhood Diary, Entry 41: “I Miss Brother”
Every morning, I get my five-year-old ready for school with my three-year-old right beside me. When I leave the drop-off line, my youngest says to me, “I miss brother.” When we bring the older one home, my youngest always picks up his brother’s backpack and wears it around the house. He tells me he’s pretending…
Read MorePandemic Motherhood Diary, Entry 40: A Familiar Feeling of Dread
Since the swearing-in of President Trump, breathing in between “Breaking News” headlines has been few in between. I have been bracing for the impact of every executive order signed and every decision made. All of them are sure to cause a domino effect. America no longer being a part of the World Health Organization is…
Read MorePandemic Motherhood Diary, Entry 39: A Birthday Without COVID
“I’m so excited!” That’s what our oldest son said to us every day leading up to his birthday party. After weeks of preparation on our part and months of suggestions on our son’s part, his birthday was finally here. It arrived on a cold and rainy day, which only contributed to the apprehensive feelings that…
Read MorePandemic Motherhood Diary, Entry 38: The Man Who Failed to Act on COVID is Back
On Election Day in 2016, Trump versus Clinton, I went to sleep instead of waiting to see who won. It was around 6 a.m. when I learned that Trump had won. Fast forward to this year’s election, and once again, I chose to go to sleep, and again at 6 a.m. I learned Trump had…
Read MorePandemic Motherhood Diary, Entry 37: Our Marriage Has Survived the Pandemic
Four-plus years into the pandemic and two small kids later, my husband and I managed to go on our 5th date. He instructed me to close my eyes as we approached our location. When we got to the doors, I heard noises that made me assume it was bowling. I absolutely hate bowling. When I…
Read MorePandemic Motherhood Diary Entry 36: Pandemic Mom Guilt
It was a typical ending of another successful school day for our evolving toddler. He hopped into the backseat more enthusiastically than usual, handing me a flier. “Fall Soccer Sign Up,” it said in big, bold blue and white letters. As I scanned the information, “mom guilt” set in. Regardless, I immediately joined him in…
Read MorePandemic Motherhood Diary Entry 35: Back to school – and COVID?
My family and I spent this past weekend in the evening shade with our inflatable pool and shark floaties. We spent two hours basking in our version of escapism, drowning out the reminder that the start of school was upon us. There was minimal excitement for us as parents, but our son had enough enthusiasm…
Read MorePandemic Motherhood Diary, Entry 34: Fleeing Beryl
Another road trip was not in our immediate plans. But there we were, driving to Austin, TX, after 10 p.m. on July 8, following the chaos of Hurricane Beryl. After enduring a day without power and driving hours for hot food, we decided it was best to leave despite the looming worries of COVID-19. There…
Read MorePandemic Motherhood Diary Entry 33: A Solo Movie Date
A good friend of mine gave me a movie pass, suggesting I take some much-needed time for myself. With the overwhelming nature of motherhood and the desire to do it all, a solo movie date was a great idea. That was over a year ago. Yes, I’ve had this movie pass since 2022. With the…
Read MorePandemic Motherhood Diary, Entry 32: My choice to wear a mask
It had been a little over a month since my second battle with COVID-19. As always, leaving home filled me with major paranoia and concern, especially when traveling alone. I ran a quick errand to the nearby grocery store, where the fear of gawking and unwanted chit-chat usually forced my guard up. At this particular…
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