With shops still closed, and social distancing required, like many mothers I suspected that Mothers’ Day 2020 would be a fizzer.
Fortunately our tech-savvy children and grandchildren were thoughtful and managed to make contact, bringing cheer and fun into our isolating ‘bubbles.’ I was blessed with a big box of fruit and vegetables, with no identification of from whom, or from whence it came. (Having seen Sally Army and other charities preparing and delivering care-boxes to elderly and isolated people, I assumed I was on their list.) It was only when one of my sons told me they’d arranged delivery of a gift for Mother’s Day that the ‘penny’ dropped!’ Their hand- crafted card was posted a week ago, so I await NZ Post delivering it at some future date.
My eldest son, and his daughters in Singapore phoned and we had a great chat; catching up on Covid restrictions and their life in isolation as they deal with a fresh and serious outbreak of the virus. Another grand-daughter will be returning to Singapore from studying in UK, and will be placed in hotel isolation for a fortnight by their government.
Three grandsons in Australia also e-mailed me separately, and it was so good to share their ‘happenings’ and challenges of studying on-line. Energetic lads, they’re all frustrated by the compulsory close-down of sports training grounds, gymnasiums and swimming pools. Lock-down is tougher on the active young than it is for the more mature and sedentary.
My ’local’ son and his family came around late in the afternoon, arranged chairs 2 metres apart in my garden, and we had a lovely afternoon tea they’d brought; wearing warm jackets as the sun was low and temperature dropping. Our 3 dogs cavorted joyfully around us, and we had our first social gathering in several months. We later walked along the Opaua River with the hounds, enjoying the gorgeous autumn colours, clear reflections in the water, and the last brilliant rays of sun as it slipped behind the hills. I felt thoroughly loved, and grateful for the family God has blessed me with, and allowed me to nourish, cherish and pray for.
In earlier years, we’ve had lock-downs, from the Spanish Flu in 181 and various outbreaks of Poliomyelitis in 1930s to 1950s. Mothers in those days didn’t have the benefit of computer contact with their isolated loved ones. Through Skype, Facebook, Zoom, instantly transmitted photos on-line, and all manner of other modern communications; we can keep at safe distances and still enjoy the company of our significant friends and family members. These electronic meetings are such a consolation for our current lack of physical contact. While this has been a hugless Mothers’ Day, we know our families are keeping the ‘distancing rules,’ out of love;o to prevent the potential transmission of Covid. So too, the advised wearing of masks. We wear them to protect others around us, not just to protect ourselves.
God willing, we will not require such draconian measures to keep families physically apart again. Let’s remember how God has guided protected and encouraged us in the past, how He lit our path today so that we wouldl not stumble. And we know He will walk with us and support us through whatever happens in the future. Life without that reassurance is tough and full of anxiety. Let’s share our “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine” with others. We have the Word of Life and hope. Let’s share it!
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a real blessing.” (Psalm 127:3)
Rosemary Francis
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