Sandwiched
The past few weeks have affected each and every one of us in many ways. I’ve been continuously praying that this virus slows down, we can all help each other, and kindness and compassion will prevail.
When I heard of various local assisted living facilities being on lockdown and not allowing visitors last week, I knew I had to act quickly to help my mom before her facility followed suit. I dropped everything, ran to her apartment, and made a list of items she would need from the grocery store in the coming weeks.
After returning from Kroger and putting everything away, I knew I had to get back to work. But it was hard to move my feet to hug Mom goodbye. My heart gave a little jump of fear not knowing when I’d be able to see her next.
Before Mom moved to Central Indiana, I’d only see her once every month or two. We’d talk on the phone of course, but since she was up near South Bend that was the best I could do.
Now that she’s only five minutes away, we see each other at least once or twice a week. I’ve gotten used to that over the past three years and of course, I love it! I never imagined that would have to stop for any reason, even temporary.
Yes, we can talk on the phone once again. But I wish we could do a video call so I could see that she’s all right. Like many elderly people, Mom’s not learned much about our modern technology. In fact, she often says she’s “technologically brain dead.”
Thanks to Facebook, I’ve seen people coming up to their loved ones’ windows to at least say hello or wish them a happy birthday. But I can’t even do that, as Mom’s windows face an interior courtyard.
I’m definitely grateful that her facility and others are taking this precaution. I know many of us are scared of losing our elderly friends and relative as well as others with compromised immune systems. I also know that this lockdown won’t be forever.
But this situation has helped me realize how much I was taking many things for granted, and I know I’m not alone.
Yes, I miss my mama. I’m already looking forward to the day when I can give her and so many others a big hug and kiss. I’m sure a lot of joyful tears will fall. I’ll hold on to that thought to help me keep me going in the weeks ahead.
P.S. – If you don’t already know how incredible this local paper is, here’s a quick illustration. I lost ALL of my columns from my computer last week. This upset me because I planned to compile them into a book next year. When I shared my dilemma, The Reporter staff compiled them all and sent them to me in a zip file! THANK YOU to Jeff and everyone for their help.