Family Tracks: Families Staying Active During COVID-19! Bryant Family

My name is Jamie Bryant, and I’m 55 years old. My husband, James, is the Deputy Chief of our hometown fire department as well as a paramedic at our local hospital. We have 4 children and 2 grandsons. Our oldest, Brandy, is 33 (her boys are Conner-13 and Bryant-10), Heather is 30, our oldest son, Tyler, is 23, and our youngest son, Lane, is 15. Lane is our heart. When he was 3, he was diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy, seizure disorder, and autism. As a result, I’m a stay at home mom so that I can care for him. My mom, Willie Kirk, lives in an added-on apartment with us. After my stepdad passed away, I didn’t like my mom being by herself. So, she sold her home and we added onto our home so she could be with us. My mom is my friend and sidekick, one thing my mom has taught me is my faith I have in God.

The Bryants: Lane with Connor and Bryant getting outdoors for a bike ride and some fresh air.

Since the CV-19 outbreak, we’ve been concerned with Lane’s well-being. I’ve always wiped things down and sprayed everything with Lysol and during flu season I keep Lane inside and away from crowds. My husband and son work in the medical field, so they do their part by stripping down in the breezeway of our home and going straight to the shower.

Five weeks ago, I was also keeping my 2 grandsons during the day because they were out for spring break. Brandy would go home and shower before she came to pick the boys up. I was on week 2 when things escalated with the virus. I contacted Lane’s pediatrician and she advised me to quarantine myself, and Lane, due to family members working in the hospital and public. We are on our 4th week being quarantined. I’m having to make sure my grandsons are getting their school work along with doing Lane’s school work with him and doing his Speech, OT, and PT. We are getting outside as much as possible, riding bikes, planting flowers and exploring. Basically, my time for myself is about 45 minutes in the morning to just pray and drink my coffee. I’m enjoying the time with my grandsons, but it’s tiring.

Lane Bryant social distancing while having a visit with his dad. I’ve met my husband in town and rolled the windows down so Lane could see him.

The change has affected Lane the most: He’s got to have a routine and I try to keep it like it was before the quarantine. He doesn’t understand why his daddy’s not home at night as well as his brother and sister. He asks often to go to therapy and I explain why we can’t. He gets upset and doesn’t understand. He says, “Daddy hold me” and I reassure him Daddy will hold him. When his sister visits, she sits at the front door and reads to him through the glass. I’ve met my husband in town and rolled the windows down so Lane could see him. I have cried myself to sleep every night and pray to God to keep His hands on my family. We’ve been through some pretty tough times, and I can say being away from my husband and our other children is affecting Lane the hardest.

Lane Bryant with his brother, Tyler, wearing green to raise awareness for cerebral palsy.

FUN Facts:

What do you do to find time for you?

I get up and hour earlier before I get Lane up and I stay up an hour later to have time for myself.

What is your favorite CV-19 treat?

Popcorn

Do you have a daily make-up essential?

Cleaning my face and taking my vitamins and my one makeup essential is foundation.

Do you like Coffee or Tea?

Coffee

Are you a dog or cat person?

I’m more of a dog person.

What is your favorite “wacky word” or phrase from your child?

Jimney Crickets

The Bryants: Lane and his sister, Heather, visiting and reading a book while practing social distancing. Heather sits at the front door and reads to him through the door.

More Family Tracks

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Family Tracks: Families Staying Active During COVID-19! Foster Family

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• How to Plan a Safe and Fun Summer With COVID-19 Guidelines
• 6 Ways Help Special Needs Families During The Pandemic
• Simple Ways To Have A Little Summer Adventure

This post originally appeared on our May/June 2020 Magazine