‘I cried today. One moment I’m hugging my daughter, the next I’m yelling because she hasn’t finished her school work.’: Mom says ‘knowing I’m not alone keeps me sane’

“I cried today.

I cried yesterday.

To be honest, I’ve cried more time than I can count on my fingers.

This is so tough.

Our lives were turned upside down in an instant, and like so many of you, I find myself awake in the middle of the night, wondering how long I can stay afloat.

In the wee hours of the morning, my mind races as I think of the day ahead. A baby, a first-grader, work, school; somedays my anxiety is through the roof.

I worry about my family. I worry about my aging parents. I worry about job security, and I worry for others — those businesses that may never open back up, the friends who are suddenly out of work.

The days have turned into weeks, and soon to be months. Life has become a blur.

But somehow, we survive. It’s not pretty, but we manage to make it work.

As the days drag on, I’ve turned into a real-life Jekyll and Hyde.

One moment I’m hugging my daughter, the next I’m yelling at her in frustration because she hasn’t finished her school work.

One second I’m smiling and grateful for the family I have, the next I’m cursing under my breath.

One moment I’m staring at my baby, wondering how I created such a perfect soul. The next, I’m crying because she is inconsolable, and I am just So. Damn. Tired.

Some days I feel like I’m the best version of myself, other days I’m a version I don’t even recognize.

But you know what’s keeping me sane?

It’s knowing I’m not alone.

The stress, the anger, the exhaustion, the roller coaster of emotions — it’s something we all are facing.

And that helps me sleep at night.

If I can get through this, so can you.

As I watch TV and cry at every new commercial, I know many of you are joining me with the box of Kleenex.

And as I regret the words flying out of my mouth at my children, I know many of you have felt the same way.

There is so much uncertainty during this time in our lives, but we’re all in this together.

This too shall pass.

We will survive and come out of this stronger… with a few more gray hairs and wrinkles.”

This story was written by Stacey Skrysak, an award-winning television journalist based in Illinois. You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Do you have a similar experience? We’d like to hear your important journey. Submit your own story here. Be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.

Read more powerful stories from Stacey:

‘A woman stole my picture and used it on Facebook, saying it was her own son who died. This sweet child who passed in my arms, was stolen.’: Grieving woman victim to social media theft urges ‘child loss is real’

‘I’m choosing to let my hair go. I’m waiting for my stylist for however long the shutdown goes on. It’s tough out there right now.’: Woman advocates for hair stylists, ‘Don’t forget about them’

‘I was sobbing. Pregnant at 40 was the furthest thing from my mind. I was scared. 2 of my babies died within 2 months of birth.’: Mother of child loss says ‘bonus baby’ was ‘biggest surprise,’ now thrilled for surviving triplet to have a sister

‘To the parents of Abigail.’ I was shuffling through the junk mail, before tossing it in the trash. But the last letter left me frozen. My heart began racing. I gasped as I read the name.’

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