Tuesday, February 25, 2020

The Movie in My Mind

Hello,

Our plan to go to UT was to be there for our oldest granddaughter’s 13th birthday. We had not been with her as she celebrated a birthday. We were arriving early enough to meet her at her school and walk her home. When on the train, Miriam texted us to say that Olivia was sick so instead we would surprise her at home.

The surprise scene in my head had been complete with surprised looks, squeals, running, hugging, and laughing. Surely there was some appropriate music in the background. It turned out to be a much calmer movie scene. She was lying on the sofa complete with mask over her face to protect others from her cough. She said, “What?? Why are you here?”

On learning we were there for her birthday, I guess she smiled, but we did not really see it until her mother said, “Take off that mask so they can see your smile.”

We did spend some time hugging and smiling, but no leaping around. She was still home the next day. She sat up most of that day, so we could spend some time playing games, talking, and watching a movie. She was still a bit astounded that we had come so far just for her birthday.

It was the gift of our presence instead of presents.

Paula

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