To briefly explain is it started in China and is now in the United States. It's a respiratory illness that is impacting the older population more significantly. It is considered a pandemic now which means that because it is new people have not build immunities to it and it's a very quick spreading virus. So, as of right now, New York, California, Illinois, and Ohio have told their residents to stay at home. We are also out of school till the 28 of April. 😳 That's right. Home school. Till the 28th of April. Social Distancing is also a very common phrase right now. It is all in hopes to slow it down enough so hospitals don't get over run.
With all this background to say Josh had his 8th birthday in the midst of all this. He will also be getting baptized. When anticipating the date of his baptism we were expecting a lot of family. We were expecting both sets of grandparents, lots of Aunts and Uncles and a slew of cousins. But, because of a very unique set of circumstances and growing concern that would no longer be the case. We had so looked forward to it. Sam and I talked about possibly postponing his baptism in hopes that if we wait we could have everyone there, but we wondered if a few months would really make a difference. I asked Josh for his thoughts: "Josh...would you want to postpone getting baptized or do you want to keep the plan we have?" Josh's immediate answer followed. " Keep the plan we have because I want to have the Holy Ghost with me." Simple as that. Josh once again teaching me what was most important. With tears in my eyes and thankful to have such a kid all I could answer was, "ok. Then we'll keep it." Josh's goodness is truly remarkable. He never second guesses doing the right thing, and clearly understands priorities. I feel like I have always said this but I am so lucky to have Josh as my son. I have no doubt in my mind that he is going to do amazing things in his life, and with the gift of the Holy Ghost and understanding how valuable that gift is I can only begin to imagine what that will be. But, I do know he one incredible kid.
The only things I could offer Josh for his birthday was a non-day. I had them following a schedule for school and requiring them to split their school work with chores and piano practice, and of course, play, but for his birthday I pretty much let him decide what we would do for the whole day. 💁🏼♀️ Seriously --NO other options. But, luckily Josh is pretty easy to please with new legos and toys, and even being with us, again, all day. We love Josh so so much. And I am so very thankful for him every day. 
