Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Yesterday I got to spend time with two of my grandchildren and two of my daughters – 5 outside. Yes, colour me happy. It is difficult concept to grasp or believe… permission needed to be together?!! How the world has been flipped outside down? I hope I never take for granted again the ability to do what I want when I want with whom I want. I know we are not even close to being there at this present moment in time with the journey of COVID-19 but my heart is full of gratitude. It feels like I’m coming out of the desert and taking my fill of a cold glass of water. Best feeling.
The excitement on my daughter’s face as she pulls into the laneway, smiling from ear to ear is worth it. I get to see the whites of her eyes up close and personal (well 6 feet or 1.8288 metres close). I know. I know. There are still restrictions around the 5 outside but I am so able to sit around the campfire pit (fire – no can do), across from them, watching and listening. My granddaughter can crawl…tears in my eyes…as she moves across the blanket on the lawn. Oh yes mommy everything in the mouth now. And my grandson, swinging on the wooden cedar swing nearby, telling me whatever is on his mind. He has A LOT. Imagination to the moon and back. He and my youngest daughter going at it with another language…gaming 101 (or maybe advanced 501). Bright. Smart. And tall (oh so tall – better watch out daddy!). Later, my two daughters (third not here physically but in spirit), sitting across from each other, talking a mile a minute, real time, face to the face (6 feet apart remember). Animated. While my grandson plays with his sister, she on his face, pulling his hair, and my boy giggling away. Of course, my grandson, bless his heart, as he reminds me of his growing appetite, “Do you have any treats, or maybe a healthy and 60% treat?” Oh I miss you and you bet Rara (grandma) is always prepared. Thank you.
They did not stay as long as I would like but really…where to pee? Yes there are still things to work out. Haha. You gotta love life. So we say goodbye…air kiss and hug. I know that this is supposed to go for another three weeks, testing the waters, and then introduce 5 outside to inside near May 24. Who would have thunk? This time last year, what was I doing? Anyone doing? Not like this year for sure. I really hope that islanders pay attention and be respectful of the parameters set in place.
I worry (fruitless I know) that people in the community will do the ‘give an inch take a mile’ kind of action. By our very nature as humans, we are social beings, like to control (everything) and let’s face it, who likes to be told ‘no’. It is kind of like a bull to a red flag or Sylvester the cat to Tweety bird or baby to her mother or sight is to eyes or rudder is to a boat or fish is to swimming or coffee is to Tim Horton’s. At the end of the day, slow and steady not Nascar.
I have to laugh as my daughter calls out just as she is about to get in her car to leave that she cannot wait for sleep overs. Lots and lots of them. Here are the kids, ma, see you. My smile kind of fades a bit (just kidding daughter of mine). But I realize in that moment how hard it must be, not just for her, but families with children. The dynamics has changed drastically in the household. Stay home. Stay safe. That’s the mantra, That’s the reminder. That’s the life lived now. To be surrounded by your own kin 24/7…squirrelly comes to mind. Patience as a virtue may fly out the door. Do as I say, not as I do…may be tricky. Children who normally are at school…now home ALL THE TIME. Then you have TEENAGERS. Eeeeee. NO is not in their vocabulary on a normal day. Whew!! Wipe the brow, moms and dads, “do not pass go and you do not collect $200.00”.
Am I grateful for 5 outside? Absolutely. For now, I just have a teeny request. “Mr Sun, sun, Mr. Golden Sun…these little children are asking you (ME, I am) please come out so we can play with you”.
Blessings.
Let’s pray for all those in the frontlines and for those who are in need this day.
Karenpondering 