We have been “safer at home” for 16 days now. Tonight I received a call that really reminded me that domestic violence does not stop for a pandemic. I didn’t answer the phone because I didn’t recognize the number. They left a message. I played it back to hear my ex mother in law. The message started ok, as she was asking if (teen son) would call his dad and grandparents. I walked back so teen son could listen to the message….oops, the message went toxic quickly! It morphed into,” If you don’t do at least that, then you’re nothin but a smart ass! You don’t care about us! You oughta be ashamed of yourself. I’m prayin for ya for God to help ya”
Well…. teen son heard that and got scared. His eyes got big, and he told me that we needed to call the police because that was a threat toward me. I had to explain that while we knew it was a threat, she didn’t use words that constituted a specific threat. He did not want to make that call, and is only suppose to have supervised visits with the dad. If he ever wanted to call the dad, I would support him. However, after tonight’s experience, he doesn’t even want to continue supervised visits once the safer at home orders are lifted. He will still have to go to visits twice a month.
I have had some flashbacks of domestic violence during this quarantine. I am so glad I am not in that situation anymore! My guard is up higher now than it has been in quite a while. The dad has a history of gun violence, and my fear is that he will crack under the pressure of the pandemic and changes, and become violent. I truly appreciate the space here to communicate my thoughts so that they don’t consume my mind!
On a happier note, Little AoA and I have made a few masks and button headbands for people at my nurse daughter’s nursing home. Little AoA also colored some “Thank you” pictures for the nurses. Tomorrow she will make some cookies for them, and we will deliver them.
The other day, I picked up a Light Bright to keep Little AoA busy with her hands. I remember it being one of my favorite toys when I was a kid. She waited until night time so she could take a picture of her first light picture in the dark.
I got to do zoom with one of my students today. I am good for about a 30 minute connection. We catch up on what we have been doing, play a quick game of Scattergories, and I try to inspire some creativity and possible projects they could work on.
We also made a connection today with Little AoA’s banjo teacher. We were all thinking about him, and missing him. It was nice to talk to him.
I am realizing how much I really appreciate all the relationships growing in my life Garden! While I consider myself an introvert of sorts, I really do love people.
Stay well, stay home if you can, and water your relationship garden❤️
~AoA
Army of Angels: Part 2 
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