I’m a wife, mom and grandma. I was babysitting my grandsons when my daughter worked. On March 18, I spoke with my daughter and son-in-love,who work in the medical field when they came home from work. I asked if they thought it would be okay if I kept my hair appointment on March 23. They were adamant that due to my past heart and lung issues that I not go anywhere; no grocery store, no hair appointment…no where.
They then medically explained why. I understood, agreed and canceled my appointment that night. The next day I again babysat my grandsons, but asked my daughter that night if she wore a mask or gloves at work in the hospital. I was concerned because she was a high-risk pregnancy and due the end of May. She told me, ‘No’. Then both my daughter and s-i-l told me that they were working from home from now on. I wasn’t sure how, but I was relieved, especially for my daughter during her pregnancy.
On Monday, March 23 I was informed that there was an error and both my daughter and s-i-l were going back to work later in the week and needed me to babysit. I explained that my husband and I didn’t feel it safe for me to babysit due to my past health issues. I mentioned that some employers are understanding that childcare is unavailable and allowing the parent to stay home. She told me she would lose her job. I sought council from my husband and a wise friend, bc I felt so bad for my daughter needing to work, yet risking my health.
The conclusion was that at that time I wouldn’t babysit bc if I came down w/Covid-19 and either died or had compromised health for the rest of my life, I would no longer be able to babysit in the future. After discussing with my daughter and s-i-l my conclusion, I was told to have a ‘good life’ and as of today (7/7/2020) I have not heard from my daughter’s family and have been blocked from her social media account and the Family Calendar.
There have been both my grandsons birthdays, Mother’s and Father’s Day, my and my daughter’s birthdays, holidays and somewhere in there our granddaughter was born, but we don’t know when or her name. I even text on the first birthday asking if we, the grandparents, could FaceTime just with the grandchild, but no response. We later came to the conclusion that my daughter and s-i-l had probably blocked out texts. I had made a pop up card for my grandson, since I couldn’t go to the store and mailed it days before. As time passed, we realized that we could go really early on Sunday morning and drop presents on their front porch and then leave. We have done that several times for the special occasions. Our concern is for our grandsons who probably don’t understand what’s happening with this situation.
However, we know that God is in control. He sees and knows all and He knew this would happen.
As my husband and I lean on Jesus, our Savior, we have His peace that passes all understanding. I have had friends ask me about how I am handling life with this pandemic, some are very stressed and can’t sleep and are angry. As I talk and text with them and share God’s Word with them, they are finding themselves searching the Bible on their own and coming to have peace.
Beginning to release the things they have no control over and give their cares and concerns to Jesus, our Lord and Savior. To me it doesn’t get any better than that. With the extra time available, I have been going through the remaining boxes from our move two years ago to be near our daughter and her family. I’ve also been working in the garden daily with the goal to give the surplus produce to the food bank at our church. I’m trying to keep in touch via text/phone with people who are elderly and/or live alone. I check in with my neighbor who was widowed a year ago and drop off home made goodies on his porch. As far as shopping, I have a wonderful friend from Bible Study that understands my health issues and goes grocery shopping for us. She is such a blessing!
She shops also for her parents and another neighbor who can’t go in the store. Our church has kept up the Food Pantry for those in need. There was even an anonymous donor to our church who donated over 1,000 food boxes; not just for the Food Pantry, but for anyone in our church. There are sooo many different ways that people are helping other people, showing love and kindness.
As a follower of Jesus and a believer in His Word, He reminded us to “ …love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest command and the second is like it: to love your neighbor as yourself.” Is life always going to be easy? No, but peace and hope come when we trust and know that God is always in control.
Submitted by D.M., San Luis Obispo County – Nipomo.