MICHELLE WONG

Pharmacist

SPENT TIME WITH MY HUSBAND AND 3 KIDS IN TORONTO

I experienced a whirlwind of emotions the last few months. On February 29th, 2020, my third child surprised us by suddenly arriving 2 weeks early — a leap year baby! Shortly after, the Covid-19 pandemic was announced, and school was cancelled. While struggling with the newborn phase (pain, spit up, sleep deprivation, difficulty breastfeeding), I learned to be grateful for what I had and to not compare my situation with others. While others enjoyed extra time with their families, trying new activities, I felt imprisoned in my home and frustrated as my eldest child's new educator — everything was in French, which is not my forte.

At the same time, I am grateful being home, alive and healthy. While on maternity leave, I do not have to risk exposure on the front lines at the pharmacy, wearing uncomfortable PPE. I had stockpiled some necessities in anticipation of being home (and having an extra 20 kg bag of flour was nice). My husband remains employed, and my in-laws are an incredible source of food and care. My kids have each other to play with, in a spacious home with a beautiful yard. Most importantly, we have internet, which connects us to our extended families, church, and friends, even ones I haven't spoken to in a long time. When this is over, I will cherish relationships more, picking my own groceries (rather than ordering online), eating a meal at a restaurant, and meeting up with friends. I hope they don't mind getting extra long hugs.