As our distancing due to the pandemic continues into a new month, many parents and grandparents have heavy hearts.
Being physically separated from our children and grandchildren is painful, even though we know it is for the best. Easter is an added weight on our hearts and makes us miss family even more. The last thing a parent would want to do though is jeopardize the health of those they care so deeply about.
As adults many of us are separated from our elderly parents as well. My mom is in a nursing home and I miss visiting her. I feel like I have abandoned her, but I stay away for the protection of the residents and staff.
Many families lived far apart and didn't see each other all the time before the pandemic, but it somehow feels so different when we are told that we aren’t allowed to see each other. These are unprecedented times and the fear we are experiencing for our children’s and grandchildren’s wellbeing leaves us feeling helpless. We are fortunate to have technology that can help us stay in touch, but we are not physically there to help out.
After a time of separation, I start to feel a physical pain in my chest, longing to hold those precious little ones and to hug their mommies and daddies. Technology can never take the place of seeing someone in person. To feel them in your arms, to smell and kiss the little one’s heads.
We will never get back the moments we have missed during these difficult times. Our oldest granddaughter is now a pre-teen, the next granddaughter will be starting kindergarten in the fall and their little eighteen-month old sister is learning to talk. Our grandson will have his first birthday next month and is learning to walk.
To those separated from loved ones this holiday, try to enjoy it as best as you can. Start a new tradition - make a different meal, decorate and eat chocolate with the kids on video-chat. Tell them you just saw the Easter Bunny hop by, keep the magic going for them.
There will just be The Hubs and I for Easter in the village this year. I bought a tiny ham to cook and some chocolate for a treat. We will video-chat with our children and grandchildren and will remind ourselves to be grateful for them and all that we have.
If you have been ill, please know that your strength is a source of inspiration. To those whose loved ones have been taken by the Coronavirus, my heart breaks for you. There are no words. I pray that you have someone with you for comfort and support.
When this dreadful time has passed, there will be happy people cautiously greeting their loved ones around the globe. It will be a time of jubilation and renewed freedom - like a war has ended.
These days will become memories, something we went through.
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©️Copyright 2020 Norma Galambos
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