Recently Iris and I explored her new “school” campus. It’s a little different than what I imagined third grade to look like, but we feel incredibly fortunate that she gets to spend the school year here. With cases rising in our area and still so many unknowns, we weren’t quite sure what the school year would bring this fall. But a few trusted families and one awesome teacher later, we formed a makeshift co-op that will hopefully give our small group of children some magical moments back in their life. Our hope is that this will allow the kids to do their public school curriculum with some added enrichment, all in a limited exposure environment.

Their cottage is nestled up at the top of a mountain, where they can use the outdoors as an extension of their classroom. The teacher and parents are all chipping in, donating everything from the tables to the toilet paper, essentially creating our very own little schoolhouse. Iris is so excited and it has given me the first bit of hope I’ve had in awhile. But again, I recognize how incredibly privileged we are to be able to afford this option and have the resources to help make it happen. I’m reminding myself to talk openly about that with Iris as we navigate this unusual time, sharing with her ways to help others wherever we can. For us, this isn’t the perfect solution, but it’s pretty damn close for what we are working with and I am so grateful. Now, let’s all wear a mask and get this show on the road, shall we?