This week, I got to see my dad in person for the first time in over a hundred days. Now that was a big deal.
Luckily, they haven’t had any Covid-19 cases at Mahoosuc Green, our senior living facility. They’ve been smart about it and shut the place down early. Even packages of homemade goodies weren’t allowed. Still aren’t.
And yes, I’d had a few window visits with dad, but those just made me more lonesome. Him, too, I think. I had to cat burgle myself through the shrubs to dad’s window and put my hands up to the glass so I could see him better. We weren’t allowed to open the window, of course, and so we had to talk on the phone in order to hear each other. There was a little delay between whatever mumbles dad was hearing through the glass and what was coming out of the phone. Let’s just say it was hard to really get a conversation going.
Well, my in-person visit was a little better than that. I had to sign a contract and make an appointment. When I got there, they took my temperature. Our visit took place outside in the courtyard and we both had to wear masks. We were supervised, too, so we’d stay six feet apart from each other. No problem. As a cashier down to the A&P, I work with the public and have no intention of being the Angel of Death at Mahoosuc Green.
When they brought dad out, I got a little teary. As he kept sayi
ng, “I just want to jump up and hug you!”
“I know, Dad. Me, too.”
Unfortunately, Sadie Dupris was visiting with her mom on the other side of the courtyard. That was distracting for both dad and me because for a librarian, Sadie sure is a loud talker.
‘Course, I was doing the same thing because without me and my sister Irene’s supervision, dad had stopped wearing his hearing aids. When I asked him why, he goes, “Tired of hearing old ladies chattering.”
To which I reply, “Well, I’m not an old lady, so next time I come, put your ears in, okay?”
I thought a half hour visit (which was the max allowed) wouldn’t be enough. Boy, was I ever wrong. Yelling at my dad through a mask (so no lip reading) and having to repeat everything at least twice, was plenty for me. I hate to admit it, but I was a little relieved with the gal supervising us gave me the signal our time was up.
“Looks like that’s it for now, Dad.”
“So soon?”
“Yup. We gotta play by the rules. Irene’s coming tomorrow, and Caitlin will be here Saturday. You’re a popular guy.”
“I just want to jump up and hug you, honey.”
“I know, Dad. Me, too.”
That’s it for now. Stay safe and catch you on the flip side!
Hear Ida Tell It: Dad Visit