Value of a Hug
Four years ago my family and I embarked on a new journey. Moving to Billerica, I felt a bit like a pioneer. The climate, fauna, and people were foreign to us. Urban Dictionary and Facebook groups were invaluable as I learned what a bubbler was, how prevalent hostas are, and what it means to be a blow in. “Hometown” as a concept was unfamiliar to me until we moved here. My nearest family member is more than 1000 miles away and I’ve never experienced homesickness. But missing my parents has been especially painful over the last six months.
In May, I began planning a trip south. My husband and I, along with our kids, would drive straight to my mom’s stopping only when necessary, masked the entire time. Since the drive is long, we would sleep in the car. Covid-19 cases in Georgia remained low and Massachusetts was trending in the right direction. Although we knew there would be risk, we felt comfortable with our decision. July 4th was spent packing the car, my husband even vacuumed it for me. Our kids downloaded their favorite shows and snacks were packed. Things began to change when we checked the news.
On July 1, Macon, GA officials canceled the fireworks celebration show; their decision to cancel at the last minute must have been incredibly difficult and underscores how dangerous the situation has become. Another headline that caught my eye was the letter by 1,400 healthcare workers in Georgia. Growing up in a rural community, I understand how worried they are and know that bringing 4 more people into a rural area is the last thing they need.
Travel restrictions issued on July 1 by the Baker administration made the final decision easier in two ways. Quarantining for 14 days after our return added a financial component to our plans. Taking time off work to see family is challenging but the advisory will mean a month without a paycheck and we can’t afford it. In the midst of a pandemic and global uncertainties, it seems important to be frugal. Public health officials also worry about residents returning from hot spots and restarting outbreaks.
As of today, the situation in Georgia grows more concerning and the trend around us is moving in the wrong direction again. When I consider the potential impacts of my desire to see my family, my initial impulse is to shut down and pretend that it doesn’t matter. There have been many moments since March when I needed a hug from my mother. However, the numbers spiking in GA and the limited resources of her community scare me. The infrastructure in their rural area is inadequate on the best of days.
After hours of contemplation, reason set in and we canceled our trip. This decision was one of the most gut-wrenching of my life. How much is a hug worth? Telling the kids broke my heart more than theirs but maybe these wise words from my son will help.
2020 is the year of disappointment, there’s nothing you can do about it.
***The above was submitted to the Lowell Sun for publication on July 5, 2020
