For some families, grandparents and grandchildren are only separated by a couple of rooms or a floor. The majority of grandparents and grandchildren are separated by at least a couple of zip codes or even states. This means that families will often have to travel to see loved ones to catch up and spend some quality time. What was a simple trip down the road has become a stressful topic of conversation due to COVID-19.
Family Matters
Social distancing has been a tool used to keep people safe. Especially for older people as they are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. Call it the new normal. Call it America 2.0. No matter what you call it, life will never be the same.
There are families struggling to determine when it is safe to see each other. Grandparents are anxious to see their family. On one hand, they understand that their children and grandchildren pose a threat to their well-being. Then you have the children who want to keep their children as well as their parents safe. We are trying to find ways to care for people during the pandemic. After all, one of the greatest gifts for family is our presence.
“I don’t want to die like this” Concerned grandmother anxious to see her family
There is a fear that grapples with the decision making of some people as they wonder when they will see their family again. I overheard a grandmother saying “I don’t want to die like this.” She was not referring to dying of COVID-19, rather living a life without her family. This is a reality for many people trying to navigate these trying times.
Bundles of Joy
This pandemic has slowed and stopped many industries but life always finds a way. Babies are still being born with families facing interesting challenges. Hospitals are limiting people in the delivery room and visitors all together. This poses another obstacle for families who would typically come together to support mom and dad and their new addition.
Moms were already on the defense with how to keep their little one safe from the world. Now comes an extra level of security which drives another wedge between families.
Perspective by the Numbers in the United States
COVID-19 is a pandemic that takes lives but it does not have exclusive rights to the fall of man. According to the CDC, 647,457 people have died from heart disease in 2017. Depending on where you are getting your numbers from, north of over 80,000 have died due to the Coronavirus. I am not providing the numbers to minimize the catastrophe that has been unleashed due to COVID-19. I want to provide some perspective by the numbers.
88,000 die annually due to alcohol related deaths but that does not stop people from drinking responsibly. 38,000 die every yearly due to car crashes yet we travel to our destinations knowing that wearing seat belts can protect us.
Now we have to find a way to live with COVID-19. I am not referring to the seclusion that is recommended to stop the spread. I am speaking to the lifeline that fuels humanity, people. The mentors that have helped us walk out of a dark place in our life. A sister that provides the encouragement on handling a first date. A brother who is always there to lift you up. The father that provides timely guidance. A mother that can hug every tear away.
Decisions to Make
We are going to have to figure out how to weather this storm no matter how long it lasts. Social distancing, masks, prayer and faith are just a couple of tools that will have to be implemented into the solution of bringing people together. I know the caution behind your decision making needs to be calculated as you are simply just trying to save lives. I just want to encourage you to find a way of safely bringing your loves ones together because family matters.