My, what a Reunions be with us
JOYFUL reunions took place around the country yesterday as many grandparents finally got to meet their loved ones again.
Months of pent-up emotion came pouring out as new coronavirus social “bubbles” enabled some people in singleperson homes to visit other households for the first time in months.
It meant thrilled siblings Emily, 10, Daisy, seven and four-year-old Benjamin, from Bromley, south-east London, were able to embrace grandmother Susan in Ashtead, Surrey, for the first time since lockdown.
Susan, who did not wish to give her surname, is retired and had been knitting jumpers for the trio during lockdown. Three-year-old Freddie and his brother Albie, one, could also wrap their arms around their great-grandmother Jean Robinson, 79, after two months apart.
The pandemic put a stop to the brothers’ weekly visits to Jean, who has been isolating at her home in Birmingham.
Their father, Leon Jennings, 28, said: “We have been to see Jean twice from afar but it was very frustrating for the boys as they don’t understand why they can’t go into her house.
“Jean’s main enjoyment is seeing the boys, who are currently her only greatgrandchildren, and also playing bingo – which have both been taken away from her. So it has been very lonely.
“So we are chuffed that we can now meet up with her again to keep her company, as the boys have missed their nanny dearly!”
Jean said: “Freddie came running from the car to me, it was wonderful. I am so happy that I can finally see the lads and interact with them. They were after their chocolate fingers, which they always have when they come round!
“I’ve missed them so much. It’s nice to have a bit of normality back.”
Another happy grandmother, Anne Britt, 62, had not seen granddaughter Molly since she was five weeks old. She was forced to separate from daughter Hannah Britt, 30, just when Hannah needed her mother the most.
Journalist Hannah said: “When Molly was born in February, we had no idea that, five weeks into her life, the country would go into lockdown and that life as we knew it would change beyond recognition.
“As a new mum, suddenly being stripped of the help and support you so desperately need in those first few months of motherhood was tough.
“My partner John and I were on our own with Molly, a little island in London, many miles away from our families.
“The weeks ticked on, turning to months as we walked laps of the park and spoke on Facetime. It was little consolation for missing the real thing.
“Now, seeing Molly in the arms of her grandma, gurgling and giggling with joy, was amazing.
“I’m not sure who was happier – me, able to have five minutes to hold a cup of tea for the first time since February, my mother, who broke down in tears of happiness holding her granddaughter, or
‘I’m so happy... I’ve missed the boys so much’