We all have our ways to cope and grieve

Guest Blogger John Garner

When the pandemic hit, I went through several stages of grief.

Namely:
1. Denial
2. Bargaining
3. Anger
4. Acceptance.
5. Wait for help.
6. Get impatient.
7. Grab the boy and science the sh*t out of this place.

The 'sciencing the sh*t out of the place' is from "The Martian" in which plan A for a trip to Mars rapidly descends to plan Z when one crew member is left behind. He realizes his resources are limited and the time he has to be there is long so he 'sciences the sh*t out of the place' which is to say applies his incredible creativity and ingenuity to solving critical problems.

Although we're not on Mars, we are down to Plan Z. I have made the active decision to embrace the apocalypse and start making the kinds of stuff that would normally come from factories that are covid-a-closed. Because of this decision, I am not bored in this pandemic. In fact, I am working harder now than ever.

Today started with hiding in the basement from a storm. Normally this would be the highest danger of the day, but who has time to fear a tornado in the midst of a pandemic.
 The rest of the day was dedicated to farming. Luckily, the internet and our friends have good advice on how to grow vegetables. Daniel and I built from a kit a raised garden bed.
Anna and Daniel and I planted seeds (tomato, broccoli, bell pepper, and lettuce).
 I planted potatoes and onions, built a scarecrow, made a little free seed library, and another raised garden bed from scrap lumber. 

Evening came and I cooked up fried rice, which two of the three children liked so I'll call it a win.
Leah took kids on a walk between rain storms and worked on laundry a bit as well as handled naps for the kids. More than anything, I appreciate that she has allowed me to pursue these various plans and ideas that I have, which is a testament to her enduring patience with me.

Another day of the apocalypse down. Tomorrow is a new one. Remember, These are not just days to merely survive and time to simply waste, this is valuable time to use in preparation for whatever may come next.

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