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“The Lord watch between you and me, when we are out of one another’s sight.” 
“I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.” |
You guys may be feeling sad that you haven’t seen your grandparents and extended family or maybe you are worried for them and their health. Some things you can do to keep in touch with them are write letters, call them, and maybe even drive by their homes and wave if possible. Another thing that you can do and will bring you comfort during this difficult time is praying. You can pray on behalf of others or just have a conversation with God.
We all wish we could see our grandparents during this time, but we sadly can’t. Even though we aren’t able to see them physically, doesn't mean we can’t see them virtually. You can still facetime with them, write them letters, text and call them. To keep your mind off of not being able to give them a hug, kiss, and be with them you can exercise, ride your bike with your family, play cards, paint, or maybe just doing your homework. You can also pray asking God to keep them safe, make a craft, take time to focus on yourself and even watching some TV. They wish they could be with you too.
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"So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of A movie about missing home that is a classic is The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy can’t wait to get away, but once she does she finds…there is no place like home! "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” If you're looking to see a movie about trying to find home, I'd suggest Away We Go. A young couple about to have a baby are looking for the perfect place to raise their child and realize...the perfect place is with THEM...wherever they are. |
Being away from family can be hard. The familiar noises, smells and people can bring comfort and a sense of security. Wherever you are now, you may find yourself longing to go home, to feel familiar arms around you. That feeling is common, not just during a quarantine, but at other times when going home is not possible. And the more we think about what we cannot have, the stronger that yearning becomes.
On the other hand, you may feel relief that you are not sheltering at home. How would if feel to be in that environment, day after day, seeing the people you have always seen? If you feel it would be difficult to be sheltering very close to those you love, you would not be alone in that feeling either. Wanting to have some distance is okay. Keep in mind, those at home may be relieved you are not there as well. LOL
I grew up on a farm that was 6 miles from the closest town. There were 8 kids, and as one of the oldest, I worked very hard to help my parents with the farm and the family. I left home to go to college 40 miles away at 18 and never lived at home again. Leaving home gave me freedom and I could do as I liked. I stayed at college and worked or traveled during the summer. Once I graduated, I left the state. And eventually met and married a man from Chicago. Over the years, I have missed my home and my parents during holidays and special events. There were times I wanted nothing more than to go ‘home’. Now I have 3 children and my husband and I have created our own ‘home’. I am familiar with being distant from my parents and siblings. I am also now the parent of someone who lives far away. Our oldest lives in Dublin, Ireland and we see her in person 2-3 times per year.
I have become accustomed to being separate from those I love. However, the quarantine has made it more acute and more rigid. Mother’s Day came and went. I could not go to Iowa to hug my mom. My daughter in Ireland had planned to come this summer to visit. Those plans are now on hold. I don’t know when I will get to see her in person again. One of my sisters was recently devastated by the death of her son. The quarantine limited the amount of family who could travel to her and comfort her. All of this hurts very much. But through it all, frequent phone calls, video calls and Zoom meetups have helped. We are blessed to have a variety of types of media to keep in touch and be a part of each other’s lives. Although, admittedly, there is NOTHING like a hug from someone you love. When I am able to hug my distant loved ones again, I will be filled with gratitude and joy. Finding homeWhat smells remind you of home? What sounds bring you back there? If its bacon...make some bacon. If its your best friend...Facetime or phone them. Consider having a game night with people you miss. Zoom or Facetime during the game. Here is a link to an online Scattergories you could play. Look for others. Try cooking dinner together…you and your distant loved one cook the same thing and share preparation electronically. Did it turn out the same for both? Sit down and eat together by…..Zoom light! Take a walk with WhatsApp. Share with each other what you see as you walk. I have also found that when I am sad, trying to bring joy to others will help bring joy to you as well. Look for someone who needs help, search for ways to help others. 
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