“We joined the Y in Spring 2010 after our first son, Ant, was born so we could participate in parent/child swim and gymnastics class. Three years later, we had another son, William, who has participated in a variety of Y activities, including daycare, summer camp, sports and aftercare. My husband and I are avid long distance runners. As our children have gotten older, we find running to be a way to keep up with the boys and also an outlet for the stress that comes along with working full time while parenting two children, one of whom has special needs. I usually come to the Y several times a week to workout. Sometimes I am there at 5am to squeeze in a run before work, other times I don’t make it in until 9 at night for a 1:1 weight training session. Occasionally I do both in one day! Weekends usually find me bringing the boys to swim. The Y truly has something for everyone and welcomes everyone for who they are. The staff are so positive and supportive from the minute you walk in the door. Ant is autistic and has a hard time understanding what the stay at home order is about. He asks on a daily basis to ‘swim at the pool at the Y pool.’ I guarantee he will be first in the pool when it reopens! William doesn’t miss going to school at all, but he misses playing with his friends at aftercare every day. To stay connected, we have been using the recipes from my son’s cooking camp last summer as well as Donna’s videos to keep healthy eating a priority. We also use the daily ABC exercises as our homeschool PE class. I think the quote ‘tough times never last, but tough people do’ sums up our current situation. The Y is full of strong people, both physically and mentally. We know this difficult time will pass and we want the Y to continue to be there for us and the rest of the community. Our family has been fortunate that we have remained healthy and employed. We decided to stay with the Y to make sure that the Y can support its staff and community so that it reopens even stronger.”