Mother feels grateful despite the difficulties

By Sam Pederson, Staff Writer

Kim Pederson, my mother, was born on November 12th, 1970 in Alexandria, Minnesota. She met my father in college, and moved to the Twin Cities where my brother and I were born. She was a teacher in Wayzata, but we moved to Madison, Wisconsin, in 2003 for my dad’s job. My mom continued teaching, but eventually retired after my sister was born and she became a stay-at-home mom. She has since been working hard at home to make sure my siblings and I are always fed, safe, and prepared for whatever life holds for us. She is the best mom I could ask for and always puts others first.

Q. Describe how the atmosphere at home has been now that your whole family is home during this crisis.

A. The atmosphere has been calm, but hectic at times. My husband and I are usually up by 8 a.m. to begin our work schedules for the day. Our kids usually stay up late and sleep in during the day. I’ve given them daily jobs to do, and they all like to just hang out in their rooms. The days are usually calm, but after we eat dinner at night we usually play games and it can get a little hectic. I enjoy having them home though, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Q. What steps or rules are you following in order to stop the spread of Covid-19?

A. My husband and I decided that we should postpone seeing our friends and family until after the stay at home quarantine is over. I don’t usually leave the house unless I get groceries, and when I do go to the store, I’ve recently been wearing a mask because the virus only seems to be getting worse. Staying at least six feet apart is also crucial so I’ve also followed that guideline as well. Other than that, my family and I have been good about social distancing and washing our hands a lot. I also have bought hand sanitizer for the whole family to bring whenever someone leaves the house. During this pandemic, I don’t think it’s bad to be too careful so we’ve been following all guidelines given to us.

Q. Have you enjoyed having your sons home from college?

A. Yes, it has been very nice to have the whole family home for this extended quarantine. Both my boys were off at college before this, so it’s been very nice to have them home. They are still a huge pain in my butt, and I make them do lots of jobs around but I’m glad they can be home with us and are safe and healthy. They make our household fun, and are always wanting to play games outside or Tik Tok dances. Very blessed to have them home.

Q. What are you most grateful for during this pandemic?

A. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought a lot of pain and sorrow into our world already and there will still be more, but during this tragic time I have been uplifted by my family, friends, and God. I’m so beyond blessed and grateful to have all these wonderful people in my life and we are getting through this together. Even though I can’t see my friends, we still facetime and text, and they have been so positive with me. My family keeps me going every day, and they have kept me in good spirits and happy and I am the most grateful for them. I am also very thankful to have Jesus in my life. I wake up and pray every day that he keeps our world safe and that this pandemic can be over soon.

Q. After this pandemic is over, how will you view your everyday life again? Will you still view it the same, or will things be different?

A. It will be 100% different! After this pandemic is over and our world can once again prosper, I will most definitely stop taking things for granted and accept that I am so blessed and fortunate to have a loving family and a roof over my head. Not that I don’t already feel blessed enough to have all this in my life, but I feel as if I could appreciate it all a little more. God has blessed me with so many great things in life, and this pandemic is something that should open up everyone’s eyes and make sure you’re not taking anything for granted and living your best life!