“Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.” Mother Teresa
Every summer I look forward to one month where I get to pull out all stops and be MiMi! As a grandparent, it is important for me to spend quality time with my grandchildren, investing in their emotional, physical and mental well being. This summer has been no different and I am soaking up my time with my granddaughter!
The current pandemic has changed how we do everything and my usual summer plans with my grandchildren is no different. We usually fly to pick up the grandkids, but this summer, we drove 16 hours down and 16 hours back. We scrambled to find restaurants along our driving route that were open with patio seating and we double cleaned each hotel room. Once we arrived back in our Chicago land area home, we quarantined ourselves for one week to ensure that we didn’t bring home any active strand of the virus.
Despite these changes, we are determined to have as much fun as we can and we don’t let anything stop us. We are sanitized and masked up and we are out having the time of our lives!
My granddaughter is of course missing her friends so she chit chats with them on her Ipad. ( we’re also working on Ipad/Telephone etiquette) They love their online games and while I try to learn them, I am NOT a master of the internet. At my house, everyone pitches in on chores. Chores equal opportunities and the house is always full of laughter and great conversations!
Meeting other kids is important, so every summer we have playdates with friends we met last summer. During the height of the pandemic, I hosted an online Zoom Tea party, and my granddaughter and one of the other girls who attended are besties this summer and I love seeing them cultivate a closer friendship! The time spent with grandchildren is so unique and beautiful! They learn new things from another generation; camping, sculpting and releasing butterflies. All of these things are things I never had the opportunity to do as a child, and it is important to me to have my grandchildren experience as much as she can.
“Intense love does not measure, it just gives.” Mother Teresa
Every second is a gift and every hug just melts my heart. From the day my grandchildren came into my life, I have had a renewed purpose to share my experiences and receive a love never imagined. I spend my days with many children and I experience that connection with many of them. Being a pediatric coach keeps you young at heart. It also gives you an opportunity to be trusted by a child in pain and to help them put things first in their lives that will empower them!
Kindness , Wisdom and Love have all been given to me so I can give them back out! Today, I celebrate the children as they are finding their way in this big world!
“Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.” Mother Teresa
My time with my grandchildren and clients is the greatest gift I have been given. I am thankful and honored to be able to be part of so many families and their lives.
Lovingly, Alicia Birong <3
