There are many joys when it comes to parenthood and I consider myself very fortunate to have a son. Jensen is eleven and we are the best of buds. He is at a great age and I enjoy the many adventures that we share. Jensen makes me proud in a variety of ways. Even now.

The COVID-19 outbreak has certainly tested our relationship. He barely survived the first two weeks of LYCOMING CREEK CYBER. I am currently off of work and serve as the chief tyrant of this little charter. I am responsible for just about everything and I learn something new each day. My lovely bride is also in education, but she has her own sweet kids to care for. Teach locks herself in the basement each morning and ZOOMs with her students and colleagues. She was very skeptical with my abilities and she has called me NON-ESSENTIAL for quite some time. I am trying babe.

The typical day starts with breakfast. My skills in the kitchen are somewhat limited. Cereal options are key. We rotate between Captain Crunch and Fruity Pebbles. Our impromptu lessons start at 9:00 a.m. Spelling comes rather easy and it serves as a warmup. We have 20 new words each week and test on Fridays. Next comes Math. We are currently working on multiplying and dividing improper fractions. It is so much fun let me tell you. Then we focus on reading and writing. This one is tough. Jensen has to read several passages and answer some rather difficult questions. Multiple choice is not our best. I will occasionally throw in a few others. We’ve done a handful of experiments and researched the Plains. Dances with Wolves is a great movie. We even drew a few pictures and wrote some letters to our relatives. Geography is my favorite and Jensen knows his capitals.

After another bowl of cereal or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, we head to the local playground. We don’t go to the swings — we are here to work on our game. Basketball is our shared passion and I use this lockdown as an opportunity. Jensen has a number of drills he works on and I sit back and offer my two cents. He’s been improving each session and continues to work on his left. Jensen has perfected the up and under and the dream Norwegian shake. I really enjoy heading to the courts with him. Sometimes we go three times a day.

You know my thoughts on getting our youngsters outdoors over FORTNITE, but Jensen needs some interaction with his friends. We have listened to Dr. Fauci and do not allow him to loiter at other houses. We are doing our best to limit his online gaming, but this is somewhat essential at this time. He must communicate with his chums during the quarantine. It’s okay to log on. I still try to encourage him to get outside, but finding ways to get him away from technology can be a major challenge. I am hoping for the weather to break so we can take full advantage. Most of my fondest memories with Jensen involve the outdoors. I cherish these opportunities with him in our surrounding woods. Whether it’s on a hike or in a canoe- there is no greater feeling than just being able to commune. Hang in there folks.

These are scary times. Continue to pray for our nation and pray for our state. Pray for Lycoming County and those who keep us safe. Pray for our community leaders and school districts. They all need our love. Rise to the occasion friends. Wash your hands. Maintain your distance. Stay home if you can. Please stay safe. Stay calm and remember what’s important. Our kids. Cheers.