VANCOUVER, BC - Every cloud has a silver lining.
Despite the difficult past month, Whitecaps FC forward Fredy Montero recognizes the rare opportunity to spend more time with his family - something he does not necessarily get to do during the thick of the MLS season.
“There is nothing better than spending time with your family, especially if you have kids. Being able to wake up, have breakfast, lunch and dinner with them for many days in a row, creating memories. So far, so good,” said Montero.
Raising two daughters, Montero said that his wife has been able to find an online alternative for school activities.
“My wife found out a way they can do some school activities online. We are using an app, each of them have their own login accounts and know what grade they are in,” said Montero. “Doing more activities, spending more time with them, it’s been fun for them as well.”
But school wasn’t the only activity that had to be transitioned electronically. Montero’s daughters were taking ballet classes before, but haven’t been able to attend the last few classes due to cancellation.
“The teacher came up with the idea of sending her own videos to these two. Every time they have it we have to clear the house, they have to put on a dress as if they were going to the class. They’re really excited about it,” said Montero.
Although he has had to take a pause from on-field training, Montero said that he has been able to find more activities to do at home with his children, like playing volleyball, cards, and even Barbie dolls.
“I mean, you have to find a way to create activities for everything that you have in the house,” said Montero. “Because it’s not easy for them to be inside the house for so many days. We also go for fresh air but we’re careful with distancing.”
With family members living in the United States and his parents and sister in Colombia, his family are constantly in his thoughts while they are in lockdown.
“I have family in Seattle, they are obviously in lockdown as well. It’s been hard for them. I have family in Colombia where it’s starting to get really hard. It’s now mandatory for people to stay inside,” said Montero. “My parents, you know people that are older, are the most vulnerable at this moment. I’ve been talking to my sister who is in Colombia with my parents. I’ve been telling her to be careful and help them.”
Montero also has a different type of family in Vancouver - the one he shares the locker room with. He makes sure to call his teammates to stay connected.
“Through social media, WhatsApp, we’ve been texting, exchanging some phone calls once in a while,” said Montero. “But at the end of the day it’s about keeping a physical distance, we have to respect the rules. Even though we want to get together, it’s not the right moment to do it."
