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I just got back from a short, 20-minute walk with my dog. It felt so good to get outside, feel the warm sunshine on my skin. I couldn’t seem to breathe in the cool, fresh air deeply enough.
I didn’t want it to end. For just a moment . . . I forgot.
It felt so freeing to move my legs, to see different scenery than the four walls of my house.
It felt so good.
Then, guilt suddenly flooded my heart and mind and took over my selfish “good” feelings.
While I was out enjoying
Guilt
Thankfully, three of my four boys are old enough to be able to go out by themselves and take our dog for a short walk around the block. However, my youngest son, age 7, isn’t quite old enough.
For the first week of quarantine, I was ignorant of the Spanish quarantine laws and failed to abide by them. Every day, several times a day, I would put Bernie on his leash, and Pierre and I would sneak outside the gate, wandering aimlessly around the block to get some exercise. We would often go further than the “allowed” dog walking distance.
Taking Bernie on our walks was the highlight of our day.
Freedom . . . for just a moment. Forget . . . for just a moment.
Until . . . one of my older sons was with Bernie and Pierre on an evening stroll. They were stopped by the police and told that children could not be outside their gates. Only one person—one adult—could walk the dog. Thankfully, they weren’t fined.
That moment ended Pierre’s walks around the block with me and Bernie.
Today, I felt guilty again.
How is it possible?
How is possible that children are not allowed to go outside the gates of their houses, accompanied by their parents, for a short walk, a few moments of physical exercise?
Thankfully, our family has a small court yard. We have managed to put up a small swing for Pierre. He can ride his bike in tiny circles on the back patio. We can kick a soccer ball together as we stand a few feet apart. We can blow bubbles and read books while sitting on the bench on our front porch.
But, what about all the Spanish kids stuck in small apartments? What about all the children in Spain who don’t even have a balcony or small porch?
Kids in Spain are not getting any physical activity.
We have just completed six weeks of total lockdown here in Spain. It’s hard to believe.
We broke down and ordered a trampoline for Pierre four weeks ago. It was supposed to arrive last week. However, mail and deliveries are all delayed, and who knows when our trampoline will arrive!
Most Drastic!
Of all the European countries, Spain has had the most drastic lockdown measures. Children are not allowed to step foot outside their gates!
In France, for example, people have to carry their i.d. and a written legal paper with them wherever they go. However, President Macron is encouraging people to get outside for physical activity—as long as they respect social distancing and stay within a certain distance from their home.
I keep hearing from my other friends scattered throughout Europe and North America. They all say that they are able to enjoy family walks with their kids, and it’s made all the difference.
Yes, that would make a huge difference for us.
I don’t know when my 7-year-old son will be able to legally walk outside the front gate again.
However, tonight, after hours, I think I’m going to sneak out with Pierre! Please don’t tell!
Update
Update: On April 20, 2020, we were informed by the U.S Embassy in Spain that the confinement has been extended until May 9, 2020. There are rumors that our strict, drastic measures may be slightly adjusted starting April 27. Children (accompanied by their parents) may be allowed to go outside their gates under certain conditions.
Hallelujah . . . is all I can say! I’ll keep you posted on the details!
—THE CULTURAL STORY-WEAVER
MY GIFT TO YOU—GET YOUR FREE EBOOK—“THE 5-DAY JOURNEY TO CULTURAL AWARENESS”!
LET’S WEAVE CULTURES!
What are the confinement and quarantine measures like in your part of the world? Are your children restricted from going out? If so, how is that affecting you?
We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures”! Write about them in the comment box below.
