Slice of Life: A Year Can Teach You a Lot 7 of 31


 

March 7, 2020

What a difference a year can make.  If anyone would have told us on this day in March of 2020 that our year was about to be what it was, I'm not sure we would have believed them.  A year ago, we drove down to our daughter's for a baby shower.  A year ago, we gathered with family and friends to celebrate the upcoming arrival of our first grandchild.  

A year and a lifetime ago.  

At the time of the shower, we were just starting to hear about the virus.  We were just starting to learn that there were cases in the country.  We knew just enough to be aware, but not enough to realize what the next few weeks would bring.  We didn't know that in less than two weeks we would be teaching from home.  We didn't know the way our travel would be limited in the year to come.  We didn't know it would be months before we would all be together again.  

On this day a year ago, we had a picture book themed shower (because that's how your bring readers into the world).  We ate food from a buffet of appetizers, sandwiches, and desserts.  Cortney and Steve opened gifts while we all ooohhhh-ed and aaaahhhh-ed.  We played games and made bibs (that was the highlight, I believe).  We laughed.  The room was full of people.  On that day, we did what was normal in celebration - something that, at that time, we just took for granted.

But that was a year and a lifetime ago.

The day of the shower was a bigger gift than we realized.  At the time of the shower, we didn't know our daughter would soon worry about her trip to the hospital.  We didn't know we would have to hope that her husband could join her for the delivery.  We didn't know that it would be challenging for us to see our new grandbaby when she was born.  We didn't know they'd spend their first months in their house without all the things we take for granted when babies are born:  help from the family, meals dropped off, visitors for days dropping by to see and hold the new bundle of joy.  

Here we are a year later.  Jordyn arrived on May 13th.  Her daddy was kind enough to keep us updated throughout the day and send us videos and pictures.  We have, with careful planning, managed to see this sweet grandbaby a few times.  This hasn't been the year we expected.  Thankfully her parents have been so good about sending us pictures, updates of firsts, and videos.  In this year we have watched her grow and change.  As for this virus - finally - we are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel.  Numbers are starting to drop.  Vaccine distribution is improving.  I don't think I will ever again take for granted baby showers, family gatherings, or extended visits. 

A year can teach you a lot. 





The Day She Arrived

Look at her now!



It's March and I'm diving back into the March Slice of Life Challenge!  Buckle in!  This will be my 8th year joining the community (though I must confess to a two year break).  Yep, some of the writing will be messy.  Honestly, most of it will be messy.  Thanks for stopping by.  I'm excited to dive back into the madness.  Thanks to Two Writing Teachers for hosting.  


Comments

  1. It is unreal to look back at what the past year has done to our "normal" lives. My heart break for all the celebrations missed, the grand-babies not held, the hospital stays with no family members there for support. I'm so glad it's all getting better. What great photos of your last celebration and your new family member. I bet you can't wait to catch up on lost time. I really love the idea of a picture book shower!

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    1. It seems to have impacted everyone. Like you, I find the hardest to be the people who have family in the hospital and cannot be beside them. Of course, funerals have been another tricky one.

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  2. Oh ... so much in this slice. I wanted to have big thoughts and reflections ... but now all I can do is look at that picture. How darn cute is she?! You have so many memories in the future with that bundle of energy and joy. She has no idea what is in store for her! Wishing you vaccinations and many slices together in your future.

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    1. Right?! The last picture seemed to really show her pizzazz. She just started daycare about a month ago and has been hilarious since. Apparently she's quite the social butterfly. I'm hoping to see her at the end of the month.

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  3. She's beautiful! So, so, so cute! And she looks so spunky!!! I can't imagine how hard it is to not see her more.

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  4. Jordyn Jade, our COVID baby, is now a toddler. Thank goodness her mom has kept us up to date with lots of pictures and stories. Now our second COVID baby is about to be born. At least this time we will be able to hold her and spend time with her. Oh the stories we will have to share about these two blessings!!!

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