In March 2020, Covid-19 officially caught fire in the United States of America. Panic set in as people realized they were vulnerable to what had up until then really been a worldwide problem, in spite of a few cases on the west coast. Ten weeks of virtual isolation made people feel the toll on their emotional and spiritual well-being. My eldest daughter decided to escape her city dwelling and take her family to my home in Baltimore where her family of 4 could enjoy the garden and extra rooms without fear of contagion as my husband and I were living abroad
Next, my other daughter who was “stuck” in a different city also an hour away asked me if she come home. She lives in an apartment with no terrace to sit outside and no one to communicate face to face rather than virtually. She had fallen into a slump and needed to change scenery and be able to sit outside and have human contact.
Both daughters had needs and they both wanted to make use of my home. My older daughter initially was not happy to let my younger daughter come to the home and cause them added risk. However, the younger daughter always wore a facemask and donned gloves and sanitizer and maintained social distancing, and I knew she was super careful. Finally, the older daughter accepted that her sister who will be attending medical school in August, believes in and practices the same proper hygiene, would not add to their risk. The mood of both of them soared as they each fulfilled their needs for health and well-being and maintaining their sisterly bond. They had given in to trusting each other.
Now, a month later, my husband and I have returned to our home from living abroad for 5 years working in a healthcare organization in the middle east. My birthday was this past holiday weekend and my older daughter called and asked permission to come home and celebrate with me. She now realized that she and her family are no longer the highest risk, but rather that they are the ones who put her parents at risk.
Our perspectives need to keep shifting as we learn and respond to new situations and needs. There is no right or wrong, just what is the best option given the choices.