This world is in scary times as we deal with a global pandemic.
COVID-19 is causing fear in many and panic in others. In some way, however, we all feel the anxiety – and possibly the soreness of dry hands. Social distancing and isolation has become the way of life for many, and those that are a bit more “adventurous” are still navigating cancelled events (on their part or society’s) and having to go to work in a world that’s partially shut down. It’s uncharted territory for so many but, as a preemie parent, a lot of these precautions are a part of a normal season.
I have often been told that the voluntary quarantine that we endure each year since Flynn’s birth is “unnecessary.” I’ve heard unkind words about my “helicopter parenting” and “over-reacting,” that I’m “living in fear” and that “kids need exposure to germs to thrive.” When I wash my hands countless times a day, keep hand sanitizer all over the place, and sanitize my phone, I’ve been called “paranoid” and a “germaphobe.” I can take all that, though, it doesn’t hurt more than it would to have my son’s fragile health compromised.
I stand by our decision to self-isolate every year, not because I’m terrified of another hospital stay (though that does play a role) or that I believe the world is only full of sickness and germs. I believe in it for the same reason that your family is doing it due to COVID-19: you want to protect your family.
The feelings that you’re having in this moment – fear, uncertainty, confusion, panic – I am no stranger to them.
I say this not with the tone of “I TOLD YOU SO,” instead with one of, “I’ve been here. We’ll get through this.” I’m not insinuating the plight of one family is equal to a global crisis, but up until this point, we have a track record of being okay and standing together, even through all the fear. The same that you are feeling right now.
In a time like this, social distancing is important not only for your sake, but for the health of those around you – your neighbors, your friends, the medical community. It’s not a time to panic, hoard, and think only about yourself.
Remember that the community as a whole and sticking together (from afar) is equally important as your individual well-being. It takes a village to tackle big things like COVID-19.
Be a part of the village, not a part of the problem.
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Underestimated Strength is a collection of posts all about our journey through life as we navigate preemie parenting after the NICU. You can read my posts here every Tuesday! Also, feel free to follow me on my website, where I speak freely about our story and advocacy.
Do you have any questions, comments or topic suggestions? Contact me via email: kristina.mulligan.blogs@gmail.com!
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Aug 6, 2020
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Oct 1, 2019
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Sep 23, 2019
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Sep 10, 2019
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Sep 3, 2019
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Aug 27, 2019
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Aug 20, 2019
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Aug 13, 2019
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Aug 6, 2019
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Jul 30, 2019
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Jul 23, 2019
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Jul 16, 2019
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Jul 9, 2019
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Jul 2, 2019
My intent for the month of July is to “be present,” but I want to make this my top bucket list item for the entire summer.
Jun 25, 2019
I know that this is what he needs, so I have no regrets, but as a mom, I feel lesser than.
Jun 18, 2019
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Jun 11, 2019
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Jun 4, 2019
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May 28, 2019
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May 21, 2019
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May 14, 2019
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May 7, 2019
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Apr 30, 2019
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Apr 23, 2019
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Apr 16, 2019
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Apr 9, 2019
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Apr 2, 2019
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Mar 26, 2019
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Mar 19, 2019
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Mar 12, 2019
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Mar 5, 2019
In what ways can prematurity change your parenting? For me, preemie life has lasted long beyond leaving the NICU.
Feb 26, 2019
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Feb 19, 2019
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Feb 12, 2019
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Feb 5, 2019
The words that we choose are more important to children than we realize. How can vocabulary be changed to create a more positive environment?
Jan 29, 2019
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Jan 22, 2019
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Jan 15, 2019
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Jan 8, 2019
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Jan 1, 2019
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Dec 25, 2018
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Dec 18, 2018
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Dec 11, 2018
After being admitted to the hospital at 27-weeks pregnant with a sudden and severe case of preeclampsia, Kristina's pregnancy went from amazing to scary. At 28-weeks, she gave birth to her son Flynn via emergency c-section. This is Flynn's story.