Well, here it is week #2 of socially distancing from my 3 granddaughters. Aged 11, 7, and almost 3.
The last time we spent actual time together was just about 2 full weeks ago – I drove to their house and all four of us ventured out to a nearby park.
Like everyone else at the park we kept our distance while still enjoying the fresh air and togetherness. Though we didn’t wear masks we did adhere to CDC guidelines as best as we could.
The oldest granddaughter leading the way, we traversed across the field. The youngest I pushed in her stroller in second place, we were near 10 feet behind the eldest and 6 or 7 feet in front of the middle (7 yr old) who was lagging behind and as usual in her own sweet little world.
Each in our own thoughts my youngest and I took notice of a little girl rapidly approaching – smiling broadly, waving her arms, calling out hello – We, the 2 yr old and I exchanged knowing excited looks – what luck for us to meet such an exceptionally friendly older child. We happily returned her waves and smiled our best smiles.
A casual glance backward to check on my middle “girl” revealed this was not just a friendly encounter for the 2 yr old with a happy older child – too late to stop her she was running full steam ahead with arms wide open – both girls giggling with glee. Their embrace was short lived however as the child’s caregiver and myself in unison called out for them to “STOP!”
So abrupt was the reprimand that it startled both children – my own granddaughter running back to me, her arms circling my waste and her face buried out of fear brought tears to my eyes.
The little girl and my granddaughter were classmates and had not seen each other in weeks.
Is this the new normal? Are innocent little girls to be reprimanded for embracing? Will they be taught other ways – more sterile ways in which to greet one another? These questions and many more we’re left to ponder as our lives forever change and we spend more of our lives “apart” from (not a part of) our families.