The last few weeks of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic have been a time for many families to break traditions due to stay-at-home orders, and perhaps a chance to create some new ones.
With most people still acting with caution and maintaining social distancing, celebrating Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10 will look differently this year.
It’s already been a time of adjustment for Platte City resident Kristen Spence, who works as a second grade teacher at Line Creek Elementary School in the Park Hill School District. Park Hill is conducting online learning, with that learning taking on a steep curve for both students and teachers.
“It’s been difficult, because I can’t teach children like I’m used to teaching them,” Spence said. “But I’ve also learned a lot of new technology and it’s been an opportunity to dive in and reach kids in a new way.
“I miss seeing their faces every day and I miss their hugs and sweet smiles.”
In addition to her teaching duties for work, she’s become teacher for her own kids, which she admits is much harder.
“It’s easier to get the kids at school to listen to you,” she said.
In a normal year, her family would gather with her 81-year-old mother-in-law and go out to a restaurant to celebrate Mother’s Day.
That’s not an option any of them are willing to risk this year.
“We’re thinking about getting take-out and eating outside her house with her,” Spence said. “I don’t think we’re going to be making her dinner either – she hasn’t been out of the house at all because she’s been protecting herself.”
Every year, the women of the family purchase flowers and hand-deliver the Mother’s Day gifts, but this year those flowers will be delivered with no contact.
“I think the hardest part is no hugs, because I’m a hugger,” Spence said.