During stay-at-home order, Daily Herald readers focus on enjoying the moment
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Joy Symonds says her family -- Emily, 4, Daniel and Vivienne, 2, -- have enjoyed walks through their neighborhood and even tried out the "balance beams" along the space mural at Elgin Lock and Key. Courtesy of Joy Symonds
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The Jordan-Kroll family of Lake Zurich says their cats Booie and Midori have been lending a hand during puzzle time. Courtesy of the Jordan-Kroll family
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Mark Korczyk of Algonquin shared photos from his Willow Street neighborhood, where residents have lit homes and trees along the Fox River with patriotic colors. Courtesy of Mark Korczyk
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M. Montag hung a sign in her Hoffman Estates window for passersby to enjoy. She hopes the sign brings some smiles during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order. Courtesy of M. Montag
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Scott Guziec of Green Oaks shared a photo of his granddaughter, Evalina, who is letting bloodhound Harvey know that he is in her house. Courtesy of Scott Guziec
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Margaret Losch of Algonquin submitted a photo of her granddaughter Alejandra Trinidad, 7, of Schiller Park, who wishes everyone to stay happy. Courtesy of Margaret Losch
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Rose Marie Jordt of Mount Prospect shared a photo of the 1,000-piece puzzle her husband, Randy, has been working on while she crochets scarves. Courtesy of Rose Marie Jordt
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Wanda Skrzypczak shared a photo of her great nephew Alex Skrzypczak of Algonquin. Alex recently celebrated his 6th birthday, but like many children, missed out on a party with family and friends because of the COVID-19 stay-at-home order. Instead, Alex celebrated with a passing car parade, complete with honking horns, waves, shouts and birthday wishes. Courtesy of Wanda Skrzypczak
Because Gov. J.B. Pritzker has extended the stay-at-home order until April 30, Illinois residents will need to stretch their imaginations even further looking for things to do while at home.
The Daily Herald asked readers to submit photos of what they've been doing to pass the time at home. The submissions included photos of readers doing puzzles, kids playing on indoor gym equipment, pets, walks, words of encouragement, and patriotic lighting of trees and homes.
Elgin residents Daniel and Joy Symonds have been busy with their two children, Emily, 4, and Vivienne, 2. Daniel and Joy both work for the family's business, Symonds-Madison Funeral Home in Elgin. Daniel is also in the U.S. Army Reserves.
The Symonds family keeps active with walks, bicycle rides, cooking meals, folding laundry, decorating the house for Easter, and making FaceTime calls with family and friends. The girls have been doing Sunday school lessons delivered by Grace Lutheran Church and watching livestream sermons.
Joy Symonds says the pandemic has been stressful, and owning/operating a funeral home adds to the worry. She wants to keep her family safe and healthy. She also says isolation is hard.
"What has been most helpful to me is leaning into my faith, turning off the TV news and reaching out to friends when I am having a hard time," Symonds said. "Give yourself time for exercise and fresh air -- sometimes a walk around the block can make a huge difference.
"And it is OK to take a break and let the kids watch TV or a movie," she added.
She also said it's important to give herself grace, focus on enjoying the moment and making sure her kids feel loved.
