As I keep trying to figure out when I can go to Missouri, I get frustrated that I don’t feel comfortable getting in the car and going. Since Vince has some medical issues, he’s more concerned about Addie bringing something back here. I’m not terribly concerned for my own self but I definitely don’t want him to be sick. I can’t really go there and stay 14 days and keep both of us in isolation before bringing her back. He can’t keep up with the garden and the the fruit trees. It would be crazy to leave just at the time everything is needing to be processed.
Last night Nicole called. Addie loves the Junie B. Jones books and Nicole said they have all of them. They wanted to read part of the Junie B. Has a Peep in her Pocket book. Neither of them could read much because they were laughing so hard. I couldn’t help but laugh with them laughing so much!
Addie told me she was bringing all the books when she comes to my house!
It made me so happy hearing them laughing and reading together and wanting to share the story with me.
With all the things Addie has planned to do while she’s here – read lots of books, make doll clothes, learn to knit and cook . . I might ought to leave today to go get her so we can get it all done before school starts . . assuming school will start in the Fall.
I can’t wait to see that girl!
Karen says
Any chance Nicole and/or Chad could bring Addie to you so you don’t have to leave Vince with all the chores?
Judy Laquidara says
They know the situation and haven’t offered so I don’t want to ask.
Carol says
Have you thought of meeting halfway? That way it could just be a day trip for each. We have done this a few times to have someone visit another member of the family. I’m like you as I’m 79 and need to be careful
Judy Laquidara says
Chad and Nicole are working lots of hours it would be hard for them to work that in since Nicole is working a lot of weekends and Chad works weekdays. They know the predicament I’m in and they know Addie wants to come and they haven’t volunteered to meet halfway so I’m not going to mention it.
Also, I want to get Addie and have her to myself without her parents for a few days and make sure she totally understands that coming to Texas is kind of a commitment and we’re not going to get there on Friday and decide she wants to go home on Saturday.
Sara Fridley says
I understand your frustrations. My grandkids are only an hour away, but we haven’t seen them in person since first week of April. And that was standing in their front yards with no touching. But both my girls work at big hospitals so we are using lots of caution. One is a respiratory therapist and the other is less “exposed” as an occupational therapist. But still – I have a minor heart issue so am trying to stay safe.
Judy Laquidara says
It’s hard but you’re doing the right thing . . I guess. At this point, I don’t even know. I keep weighing in my head . . how cautious should I be vs. do I want to miss six months of Addie’s life? Nicole’s parents are our age. They’re both still working. They see all kinds of people every day, including Chad, Nicole and Addie. I don’t want to hide out and miss so much but I also don’t want to cause Vince to get sick. Every day I wake up thinking . . tomorrow I’m going to MO and by about noon, I’ve decided not to do it yet.
carolyn says
Oh Judy, I so wish you could just hop in the car and go get her! My daughter decided she needed to be out of the house and brought Brooklyn over yesterday. We stayed outside, but once she warmed up, she wanted me to show her the garden, the bird feeders and bird bath and to sit on the swing with her. We had such a wonderful time…and she’s talking so well, she called me Grandmom for the first time! It did my heart good to spend a couple of hours with her and my daughter (although my daughter told me we suck at social distancing!). We have to get her comfortable with us again because when my daughter delivers in a few weeks, we’ll be taking care of her! I hope that you get to see her soon, but I do think it’s wonderful that Nicole calls to share such fun times with you!
Judy Laquidara says
I’m so glad you got to spend time with Brooklyn. Some little bit of normal returning!
Susan Nixon says
The tests are almost instant now. Can you get tests to be sure she’s not carrying the virus and then go home? They are free here in TN.
Judy Laquidara says
You cannot get them here. The National Guard has had testing twice but only 100 tests and you had to have appointments and they were not testing children. I doubt that’s even available in MO. And, even with a negative test, that’s some solace but not complete assurance. I just read about someone who had three negative tests and then died and a test result that came in after her death was positive.
Eileen says
I was so afraid that you were going to say her visit wasn’t going to happen. Y’all need a sweet visit!! Don’t forget George!
Judy Laquidara says
Really! I do hope we remember George. Hearing all the things she plans to bring, I may need a U-Haul.
Tee says
I think all of us cautious grandparents are in the same boat. I haven’t seen my grandson since March 17 and it is killing me. At age 5, they change so much and I am missing it! I missed him riding his bike without training wheels. That day, I nearly hopped in the car and drove the 12 hours there on my own! My husband is there now in our condo and he has decided to not see him. I don’t know how he has the fortitude to be so close to him (8 minutes away!) and not go over there. He thinks it will be too hard to have him even at a social distance and with my husband a pilot, both of them are at risk. This is so sad and so hard.
Judy Laquidara says
It is so hard. I haven’t seen Addie since January 5 and you’re right . . she’s 7 and seeing pictures, she looks like a different child!
It’s especially sad to have the place to stay there and you still don’t feel safe going. Missing him riding the bike without training wheels makes me want to cry! But, the good news is that he’ll be so excited to see you and show you what he can do and how much he’s grown, it will be like the first day he rode without training wheels all over again.