Happy Mother’s Day to you all. We are under quarantine because we love all these folks and we want them to stay healthy and well. There will always be time for the next get together.
Yesterday, my love tank was empty, like most weary and fatigued folks under quarantine.
In walks my granddaughter, Princess. #princess2015la. She stays at a distance by the washer while I was in the dining room.
Me: Oh how I have missed you. I am missing preparing your snacks and talking to you about your school.
P: Grandma, how about this – if my mom says yes, you can prepare my snacks everyday, okay?
Me: Okay. Sounds good. What are your plans today?
P: I am going to ride my bike around your street, without training wheels and help.
Me: How about a helmet?
P: Grandma, I always wear a helmet so I stay safe.
Grandma, I have 3 ube ice creams now.
Me: Oh, who gave you those?
P: You gave me one, remember? Uncle C gave me one too and I have one at home. I like them all.
Me: Oh, apo, you are so loved by all. How do you feel about that?
P: I love everyone in my family, Grandma. I got to hug my abuelita, yesterday, for real. My dad said to do it.
Me: Oh, how about me? She proceeds to give me the tightest air hugs, still maintaining the distance as dad has not said so.
Have you seen Uncle C? I miss him. It has been weeks since I last saw him.
P: Grandma, how about this? I will ask him when I see him next time to walk with me to your place, okay?
Me: Oh, Princess that is such a beautiful statement of hope and love.
I love you so much! As she leaves, her grandpa says loudly, “Love You.”
My love tank was filled yesterday to the brim. I feel like today that I am leaving the earth better than I found it with my gracious, amiable, smart, empathetic, kind and loving granddaughter!!
I am not ready yet, as I still want to travel to see more places and attend her college graduation and have more get togethers with family and friends.
Ring, ring, the doorbell sounds off this morning while the mass started. My granddaughter, her mom and her dad, all in masks, personally brought their love-filled gifts: a bouquet of flowers, handmade challah muffin with ube halaya and coconut flavor, and chocolate dipped long stemmed strawberries. I cried at seeing my beautiful family, and their efforts to make me feel loved.
Fr. John Cordero of Holy Family Catholic Church, Artesia’s homily: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Instead, have daily conversations with God, like a friend. Allow that relationship to bloom and grow.”
To me, that conversation is much like my dialogues with my daughter when she was not quite a teenager yet, and my granddaughter now who is at that wise, discerning age, yet whose hearts are so full of love.