Covid 19 Timecapsule: Letter from Mom

I am writing this letter to my children as part of a time capsule that my Aunti Marissa sent to me. Download a copy for your children to work through and save this for when they are adults to reflect on this challenging time in our lives.

Dear Gavin and Luke,

Your Mother always watched a lot of movies and TV.  I always admired those writers and directors who could envision a disturbing or fascinating story and bring it to life with a camera. What I never imagine when watching those movies is that any of it would truly come to life.

When I first moved to New York City, only a few months later, 9/11 occurred. One of my dominant thoughts was, if I had children, how would I explain this to them. That horror made me think of Boobie Frieda and how she survived the holocaust and think, ok, there will always be bad people in our lives and we will always be challenged but we can overcome this.

Right before you were born Gavin, the world melted down with the housing market crash of 2008.

Three months after you were born Luke, downtown New York, where we live, suffered a one week power shortage when a power plant exploded during Hurricane Sandy.

In 2016, I was able to vote, for the first time as a dual American Citizen in the election. I went to sleep and told you boys that for the first time, a Woman would be president. We woke up the next morning and I had to explain how that glass ceiling, would continue to be un-shattered.

In the first grade of Hebrew school Luke, you asked me why G-d created pharaoh. The best answer your father and I could come up with is that G-d put bad people and bad things into our world to make sure we always stay alert, act intelligently and stay strong. We will forever have our challenges.

Covid-19 is something that I never could have imagined. You never see the bad coming. I am so grateful that we are healthy. That we are safe. That you are so well taken care of. I’m so thankful for your father who works tirelessly to support our family who go above and beyond to make sure we are always happy and safe. 

10 years ago, right after you were born Gavin, we bought our house on Long Island. I have always walked around this house pinching myself in disbelief that we have a place so beautiful to spend our weekends and summers. I never imagined moving out here for an uncertain amount of time but boy do I ever feel blessed that we have this option. You have space, a yard, your bikes, your super large hockey net a pool and an outdoor kitchen that we can cook the meals of our dreams in. We are so incredibly lucky that our hard work paid off and that we have this home for our family.

I am proud of us for using our knowledge of technology to stay connected (now more than ever) with our family + friends. Seeing Boobie Frieda on our screen brings a smile to my face. The Friday night cocktail hours with my Little Miss Party team that you crash make me so happy. When you play Scattergories with your friends and teachers it brings me so much joy.

What we are living through right now will go down in history for so many reasons. We are living through a health + economic crisis that is going to effect so many. My mission through this all is to not only keep you safe and well fed but to ensure you stay positive and happy. You are both so selfless and I treasure the time we’ve shared together volunteering at the food pantry. I will use this pandemic as an opportunity to continue to show you how important it is for us to give back to those who are less fortunate than us. I will not let this situation break us. We will stay united and strong.

Every time I lose my patience with you I want to crawl into a ball and cry. I want to shout I’m so sorry I wish I didn’t just yell at you.  I’m so sorry for my emotional outbursts and I thank you for loving me so unconditionally no matter what. I thank you for doing your best to help me out around the house. I thank you for cooking, keeping up with your school work, always wanting to always play Scrabble with me and of course, all of your hugs.

My love for you is indescribable.  If anyone or anything ever took you or your father from me I could no longer go on.

When we wake up from this nightmare I will always remember how much love was in our family and how lucky we are to have each other.

I love you.

Mom.