Laura Dixon: Quicksand and a Whirlwind
Being Together While We’re Apart
Because we all miss our Fondren family, here are our Sequester Stories—a series of stories and photos by Fondren folks sharing what our “pandemic lives” are about.
Joe and Laura Dixon
It's funny how the past five months have simultaneously felt like quicksand and a whirlwind. For the longest time we were living the movie Groundhog Day—waking up to the same routine: breakfast, online school, Zoom meetings, neighborhood walks, lunch, nap, more walks, more schoolwork, dinner, bed, repeat. Then suddenly school was finished and summer began.
Once things began "reopening," it started to become apparent that the only consistent thing is the lack of consistency—a situation that has been trying (to say the least) for this impatient, "Type A" attorney mama. Shortly after returning to work, Charlie's daycare teacher was diagnosed with COVID, which led to a 14-day quarantine period. Then after 3 days back in the office, an employee at my work tested positive so our office closed for another 14-day period. We are incredibly fortunate that our family has stayed healthy throughout this process, but prayers for patience and faith have been a constant.
Nevertheless, despite the chaos surrounding us, I am so thankful that we were able to take a quick family trip to Orange Beach, AL, this past week. The kids had a ball playing in the sand, jumping waves, and splashing in the Gulf. We were also able to spend time with Gigi, Grandon, and cousin Wallis—family members we have sorely missed. Watching the full moon over the water and listening to the waves each night gave us a sense of peace and normalcy, which we had all been craving. These simple things were also a welcome reminder that God gave us an incredible world, and He is always in control. We of course have no idea what this fall will look like, although it is certain to be like none other we have experienced. We continue to pray for the health, safety, and well-being of our loved ones and just hope that, if we keep putting one foot in front of the other (wearing a mask, of course), we will eventually emerge from this trying time stronger than ever.
With love,
The Dixons — Joe, Laura, Rayna, and Charlie
