As a working mom - life during COVID
Apr 28, 2020
Samanthat Desmarais, Sr Manager Communications PSJH
As a Working Mom - Life During COVID
As many of you know, I've recently moved from Houston, TX to Seattle,
WA. Not only am I semi-new to this community, but I'm a semi-new mom,
and I'm semi-new to my job. I’m a senior communication manager
at Providence located in the Renton, right outside of Seattle. I work
on the national public relations team and I have the privilege of highlighting
all of the innovative and inspiring work that is being done throughout
the Providence family of organizations.
Located in the greater Seattle area, we were among the first in the country
to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an unbelievable experience
to watch the rest of the country continue to operate as the Pacific North
West started to shut down. I’ll never forget receiving the news
that our daycare would be closed. The overwhelming sensation of stress
and anxiety washed over me. How am I going to balance work and care for
my one year old daughter? My husband had a very similar reaction and we
immediately went into planning mode.
I started digging into the back up childcare programs provided by Providence
through Bright Horizons. There was a button for crisis care that I hadn’t
seen before. I quickly realized that Providence had secured reimbursements
up to $100 a day for the childcare of your choice, which was great since
there weren’t any openings at the childcare centers near me. We
were able to employ a teacher from our closed daycare.
The reimbursement process has been quick and easy. I’ve told multiple
colleagues about this program and I would recommend this to anyone who
is struggling to balance work and home right now.
Similar to everyone else, our world was turned upside down by the COVID-19
pandemic. Not only did our work load increase, since I work for a health
system and my husband is in supply chain, but our work-life balance had
vanished. If we didn’t have back up childcare as an option, my husband
and I would be lost. If you’ve ever had a one year old, you will
understand the constant need for watchful eye. Since we brought in the
back up teacher our daughter has been painting, going on walks, blowing
bubbles, working on taking her first steps and reading. My husband and
I can focus on providing financial stability for our household while we
are still blessed enough to have that responsibility and can focus on
play when the work day has ended.
I can’t find the words to explain the relief we felt when we were
able to provide care for our child and also able to fulfill our work responsibilities.
There is a saying I’ve heard fellow caregivers use,
Providence always provides. I can officially say, Providence provided. Providence provided care for
my family when all other doors were closed. We are a community and we
are all in this together.
Providence has eased my way by providing a way for me to care for my family.