Homecoming During a Pandemic: And Things of that Nature

“Keep calm and think hoco.”

Yes, that is a real quote. And as I start to think about it, it’s a quote that definitely fits the current goings on in my home. As I am typing this blog post, my seventeen year old 12th grade daughter is preparing for the last homecoming of her high school days.

What does that look like exactly?

Glad you asked!

When you have a daughter who is more on the high maintenance side of things than not, it means manicure, nail design, pedicure, new hair-do, and makeup. It also means a new dress, shoes, shiny accessories, borrowing mom’s (me) purse, and dinner for eight at a Hibachi steakhouse.

And yes, there’s more. It also means a football game where her school won 56 to 54 (yes that was the real score), but it’s not really about the game, it’s about the dance and setting the night on fire so that you can burn brighter than the sun–like FUN said.

But we’re also still in the throes of Covid-19, delta, and other variants that I’d rather not name at this time. My daughter is attending in-person school after participating in virtual school for one and a half years, and I am still trying to not lose it just thinking about all of the kids I see not wearing their masks correctly when I drop her off in the morning. I want her to enjoy her senior year and all it has to offer, but I can’t help thinking about the days and times we are living in.

Homecoming during a pandemic. Is that even cool? Will these kids be able to have a semblance of normalcy?

I guess I answered my own question. Going to homecoming is normal. When my son was in high school, he went to homecoming at least three out of the four years. When I was in high school all of those years ago, I went to homecoming. So yes, these kids deserve to enjoy this rite of passage safely.

She will be masked up, and the dance is outdoors on the football field. Which yes, is not normal but it is better than the alternative (i.e. not having a homecoming).

[ High School Prom Memories- A Look Back With Pictures ]

For my daughter because of Covid, this will only be her second go ’round. I want her to enjoy being a senior and all of the trappings that come with it.

So while my wallet is a little lighter because of her hoco expenditures, the memories she will make are priceless. Wishing a perfect night for her, and everyone else during homecoming season.

And to you parents out there like me doing our best to navigate these days and times that we are living in during a pandemic, I salute you. Parenting is not easy, and doing it especially now–we deserve an award or five!