Lockdown with Lifa

Expectations are rising at the Ladd house. Lifa is in grade 7 - the oldest grade in primary school. South Africa is inviting Grade 7’s and 12’s to return back to school on Monday, June 1st as lockdown stimulations are slowly being lifted. The school year runs from January - December, so we’ve still got a long ways to go. We aren’t 100% sure we will send him back yet, as COVID-19 cases are rising very quickly in our area, but there certainly is chatter about it. 

Here’s a firsthand interview with Lifa on the highs and lows of his quarantine experience. 

Mom: Lifa, it’s been 76 days since you’ve been to school. How do you feel about that?

Lifa:I feel ready to go back to school. I feel like we haven’t been to school since time began... like, it’s been a long time. (With nervous smile) I feel kind of tired of... well, I’ll just say of being at home.

Mom: What has been your greatest moment of the lockdown? 

Lifa: That one time we played in the yard with Benjamin and the yellow ball.

Mom: What are some good things about your experience of the lockdown?

Lifa: Your parents can actually be pretty fun. And if you don’t think about the days, then they don’t take as long as if you’re just thinking about how long it will take to get through them.

Mom: What’s been the hardest part about lockdown?

Lifa: Not seeing friends or being able to go on outings.

Mom: What’s one thing you’ll miss about the lockdown?

Lifa: Long, silent pause.

Mom suggests: ME!?! 

Lifa: Continues staring. Finally says: Probably the family time. And getting really good lunches and brain breaks.

Mom: Is there anything you might regret not having done during the lockdown when it’s over? 

Lifa: Maybe working on a talent. 

Mom: Do you feel nervous about going back to school for any reason or about the Coronavirus?

Lifa: No. 

Mom: If lockdown was just beginning, and you were going to give yourself some advice before starting it, what would you tell yourself? 

Lifa: Don’t think about the days. Don’t take the dogs on bike rides. (Broken elbows!) Just go with a day, and when it’s done, it’s done. You can celebrate at the end. And don’t expect anything. You’re stuck at home. Anything could happen. You could get chores. You could have a day of nothing to do. 

Mom: Let’s say you were heading to school right now. Do you have any parting words for Benjamin and I - still at home on lockdown? 

Lifa: Bye! Find something to do!

I’m going to miss having him here all the time. I’m not so sure the feeling is mutual!