Important things still matter during locked-down holiday
This certainly was a different Christmas season for all of us.
For most of us, it has been the inconvenience of not being able to see family and friends.
We had a Christmas celebration in our garage in the cold with my middle son and his family in early December because they were worried about the increased case count in Waterloo. Our daughter has come home and it is special to have her here. Our oldest son hosted us at his under-construction building. Yes, it was wonderful to get together even though it was in separate instalments and from a distance with masks on. Definitely weird but safe.
We were able to exchange gifts via mail and even opened some over the internet on Zoom. I am certainly grateful for getting a new golf bag from my wife and new slippers. Actually, two pairs. It seems the family is worried about my feet. Well, at least that is a long way from my head where most of the action used to be.
But what I want to share with you is the substance of our most special Christmas gift which was from our 16-year-old granddaughter who wrote us a letter. Her opening sentence was “At this time of year everyone deserves to know how much they mean to everyone else.” I am sure this is true for you and yours also. She went on to say “I’m writing this so you guys know that even in the middle of a pandemic we still care about and appreciate you as much as ever.”
Well, just like most of you we have had a deep sense of loneliness despite the Zoom connections and phone calls. We have missed the hugs and games we play together. I am sure you have to have missed the shared experiences of the holiday.
But Olivia went on to say “I like how you guys like to talk to me like I am a real person and not just a teenager.” Yes, Liv, we find you a fascinating person who has your own experience and thoughts to share. It sure reminded me of how important it is to reach out to all members of our families and learn of their life’s experience.
Liv goes on: “You ask me important questions about what is going on in my world, and you actually listen.” It is so wonderful to have a teenager want to share their experiences with us. Seems easier as a grandparent than it did as a parent to be able to just ask and listen, rather than worry about all the tasks that need to get done.
Then she ends with: “I want to say to you that every time I talk with you guys, I feel really good about myself.” Well, what a gift she gave us to know we not only are cared for but that we actually make a difference for her.
As we have aged and watched our children grow into adults we hope for their independence and well-being. So too for our grandchildren. It must be so difficult in these strange times. But this letter affirmed not only that our family cares but that we can be part of their life journeys. This gives us purpose even though it is tough to do so from a distance.
So I hope all of you readers also have had a chance to reach out, even in awkward and strange ways, because it can not only help us feel less lonely but also let others in our family and friends know they are important to us and us to them.
Happy New Year.