In the midst of the pandemic, my husband and I received an amazing, unexpected gift. It all started with a phone call this summer. Suddenly, the rhythm of our COVID life changed – for the good. My son and his family were coming for a long visit, because work and school had gone online. There are just no words to describe how thrilled I was. This long-distance grandparent was going to be a local Bubbe (grandparent) for one whole month!

Anticipation

A plan was quickly fleshed out. After flying here, they would quarantine for two weeks at our house while we would stay at an Airbnb. Then they would spend a month with my daughter-in-law’s family, and afterwards, a month with us. We were so fortunate that it all went smoothly. Sooner than we could have ever imagined, our time came.

With a six-week build up to our time together, we could hardly contain ourselves! During their quarantine, my husband and I had brought them groceries and supplies, but most of that time we spoke with our grandkids with masks on through the screen door. Finally, the time came when we could take off our masks and hug.

Opening the Gift

From inside the house, we watched as they got out of the car. I could feel the emotion building inside and tried hard to tamp it down. But when the front door opened and everyone removed their masks, I just sat down on the floor with the grandkids and cried tears of joy. My son smiled gently; he knows his mother well.

From that moment on, we shared one of the sweetest months I’ve ever had.

Each day was like a treasure. We mined every moment together, filling our time with simple adventures, too many to mention.  There were long walks as the trees started turning colors. Living in warmth all year round, my grandkids were in awe of the colorful spectacle before them.  The grandkids even began a daily pursuit to find a branch that would make the perfect walking stick. Prized ones got an honored place near the front door.

And how could I forget when the grandkids went “fishing” with grandpa in the inflatable boat he blew up for them on the deck? It was just the best, watching them cast over the deck railing with grandpa’s fishing rods! We totally lost count of the “fish” they caught!

Even with all the singing, laughter, and silliness, there were honestly tough times, too. I got a first-hand look at just how challenging the lives of my grandkids’ parents had become during COVID. To do their work and attend Zoom meetings at the same time as keeping up with their kids’ virtual school and homework was just insane. My husband and I tried to help out as much as we could, but that was with the knowledge it was all only temporary.

Time to Go

Then, too soon, the end of the month drew near. The banter between us changed ever so slightly. Mixed in with what we were doing that day, sentences would start with, “When we go home, we’re going to…”

In the week before they left, I found myself standing in a room with my eyes closed, trying to imagine what it was going to be like in the days after they had gone home. My house would be orderly and quiet again. Everything would be back in its place. The giggles and singing and chatter and hugs, just memories. Even now, as I think about it, I get a lump in my throat.

As we stood at the airport helping them unload the car, I hugged my daughter-in-law and said in a whisper, “Thank you so much for this gift!” I know that not many long-distance grandparents will have the opportunity my husband and I just did during COVID, and I appreciate it so, so much. But, not knowing when we will see them again is heartbreaking.

The Unexpected Gift This Long-Distance Grandparent Received

Several weeks have since passed. The month we shared with our long-distance grandkids and their parents is behind us, and we’re back to seeing each other in the virtual world again.

At first, after they left, all I could think about what was missing from my life. But then, I began to realize how much I still really had. My grandkids and I talk and laugh now about things like my “funny” sayings or grandpa’s amazing collection of glues to fix things. And, I’ve gotten to know them so much better. We have lots more to talk about on our video chats.

Bottom line -we’re all practicing resilience. I think it’s the only way forward. Maybe the real gift from their visit is the lasting love and connections that were cemented in that special month together. We’re using them all to make new virtual plans. In fact, I actually have a few new ideas “up my sleeve.”

I’m smiling.

I can imagine my grandkids would giggle and respond, ” BUBBE, YOU CAN’T HAVE IDEAS UP YOUR SLEEVE!”