By Jayne Dixon Weber

Estimated Reading Time: 4 min.

It looks like in many places we’re back to wearing masks or will be soon. It may be for school, but in many cases masks are being required for any indoor activity. I am guessing that, in the past couple of months, many of us got used to not wearing masks. So, at least in our family, it’s going to be a transition back to wearing them.

Note: Please follow your state/local guidelines with regards to the wearing of masks.

Ian wearing a mask while working at King Sooper grocery storeI first had to find where I put them. I found them stuffed in a drawer and sorted through all the types I had accumulated — the ones from the NFXF (Yay!), the Boulder firefighter ones (they rock), the University of Colorado ones (go Buffs), the Kansas City ones (we’ll get ’em next time Patrick 😉), and the list goes on. But I digress. Back into the laundry they all went.

I started the transition.

When we went into Target a few weeks ago, I told Ian, “Let’s put a mask in our pocket, just in case they require them.” We did notice that more people were wearing masks than when we had been in previously.

The next time we went in, we noticed that all of the workers had masks on. When I asked if they were now required for all the workers, our checker said yes. I looked at Ian, “I think if they have to wear masks that we should too when we’re in Target.”

“But not in the grocery store, right mom?” he asked.

“Not yet, but it is probably coming,” I answered.

“But not for a long time, right mom?” he asked.

“Not for a long time.” As I have discovered, a week is a long time for Ian.

And the transition continues.

If you need help with the wearing of masks, please see the our article on Getting Comfortable Wearing a Mask.

As you think about the transition back to masks, here are a few thoughts:

  • If the individual has to wear a mask all day, consider adding an extra mask or two, so that there’s a fresh one after recess or in the middle of the day.
  • Look at the renewed mask-wearing as a way to (continue to) raise awareness of Fragile X.
  • If you need more masks, visit our shop. Then put on your NFXF mask and continue to raise that awareness.

Oh, and if you’re wondering — we will get through this. I promise.

And . . .

Okay, I know, we go to Target more than we should, probably way more, but hey, we now know the upfront manager and many of the checkers, and while we’re not hoarding toilet paper, I am starting to think about it. And I know exactly where it is in the store.

Stay well.

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COVID-19 Resources for Fragile X Families and Individuals
Resources to help us all get through the ups and downs of dealing with COVID-19.

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about
Jayne Dixon Weber, director of community services, NFXF

Jayne Dixon Weber
Jayne served as the NFXF director of community education (and other positions over the years) from 2007 to 2023. She has two adult children, a son with Fragile X syndrome and a daughter. Jayne is the author of Transitioning ‘Special’ Children into Elementary School, co-author of Fragile X Fred, and editor of Children with Fragile X Syndrome: A Parents’ Guide. Jayne likes to read, enjoys photography, and goes for a walk every day.