69 thoughts on “How can I prepare for these hug-less days?”

  1. Why?
    Is he leaving for what? Work? A life at the opposite end of your world?
    You will do what we all do: reverting to virtual hugs, to WhatsApp, Skype, to writing…..
    Be strong – believe that it will be alright. Because it will. Sending you a cup of tea, a hug and a smile.

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  3. I knew immediately what you meant, because when France locked-down last Tuesday my husband rushed back from England on a 4am ferry to get here before 12 noon (he did it!). We haven’t been out for 7 days now.
    Your photo and your son are treasures – even I enjoyed seeing that ‘old’ hug, although I know neither of you! Count yourself rich and be patient.

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    • Thank you so much.
      It must have been stressful for both of you, with a mad dash like that. We are grateful to have had 48 hours notice — though I suspect some people are using it to “party like there’s no tomorrow” and putting themselves and others at risk.

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  4. Thank goodness we live in this digital age of instant communication. Like Kiki I remember those letters taking forever between NZ and UK and having to book the annual Christmas phone call weeks in advance. Things sure have changed and they will be changing now, hopefully lessons are learnt and we all come out the other side a more caring and grateful community, appreciating little things like hugs and being able to meet friends for a coffee.

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  6. And our governor has decided against lock down for us here in Florida…..mixed feelings about that. Our president is not helping matters, either. He is thinking about reopening certain businesses so people can get back to work. Translation: he is worried about the money. Not the health and safety of people. The money. You will all be safe, Su. But that is such a lovely photo.

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    • I read about that this morning, then I saw a video my niece’s American boyfriend posted which pretty much denied the existence of the virus and I did truly begin to wonder if somehow the Earth is actually two (or maybe more) parallel universes and I live in the semi-sane one.
      I so hope that you and your loved ones are safe and well. Sending virtual hugs and hongi https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hongi

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  8. My heart goes out to you. My daughters are all in the UK and my stepson in New Jersey. All locked down. We are on an advisory at the moment here in Massachusetts, but if people don’t behave the Governor will shut us in, no doubt. I know what it’s like to be apart from beloved children and I’m not going to sugar coat it by saying FaceTime and Skype make the difference. They don’t. Physically holding your precious child, those hugs – there isn’t a substitute but take heart. You are doing what is necessary to ensure that you have years and years of hugs ahead and that parents the world over have the same. All hail hugs. All hail flattening the curve 💫

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  9. Four weeks seems like an eternity. I hope desperately for you that this will help NZ avoid the worst case scenario and that many lives will be spared. I can completely understand your longing to hold your family tight. I imagine you are very worried about your father as well, Su.

    You will have seen our news, Su, which foreshadows a horrific trajectory of infection. I am ashamed of the country we have become.

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    • Thank you Tracy. I am cautiously optimistic that the lock-down will save lives; less so that morons won’t ignore the rules.
      It is scary to see what’s happening in Australia. I used to feel that our two countries were so similar, but the differences seem to be growing.
      I’ve spoken to my dad, and as much as I can be reassured, I am reassured that he has good people looking out for him.
      The boy-child was quite fragile before this started and remains my main concern. And of course, my mother, brothers and their families are in England are vulnerable but beyond my reach.
      I hope you and your family are managing to access what you need and that you are all safe.

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      • I understand your concern about your son, Su. Been there. So long as he keeps talking to you, that is a good sign. The three amigo PMs are not covering themselves with glory.
        We are fine for the moment, but there are some in this country, who are beyond my contempt.

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  10. My thoughts are with you. I will be going into quarantine for a fortnight from Saturday, hopefully to emerge well so I can visit my 90 year old mother who lives 4 hours away. She was quite down when I told her that I wouldn’t be able to come for Easter, at that stage I hadn’t even thought of how I could make a visit possible. She was much brighter after I ‘phoned her this evening to tell her of my plan. I feel very lucky that I can do this with my job and am not instantly unemployed like so many workers here in Australia.

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  12. Relieved to hear you are all fine Su. Our daughter lives three houses down the street from us and we talk on the phone every day. (We used to see here everyday) We might even Skype if it goes on much longer. This too will pass Su. The thing that amazes me is how fast it has moved to all parts of the world.
    Leslie

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  15. Lovely photo! You are both very photogenic and Big T (I assume) takes great portraits. My anguish is the other way round, at not being able to see my mum, although our lockdown has exceptions for helping vulnerable people. Even so, all I can safely do is deliver supplies occasionally and chat from the end of the garden path maybe! I’m working hard at creating an alternative network in case John or I falls sick. Mum is cheerful, and blithely unconcerned. I’m in bits.

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  16. Have been praying for a couple of close friends in Singapore who were anxiously awaiting the return of their children (catching the last flights from universities in the US). They are finally back in Singapore in isolation.

    It must be nerve-wrecking to be away from Boy-Child at this time.

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    • I’m glad your friends’ children arrived home safely. I am concerned about the boy-child, though he shares a house with friends and his partner, so I hope they will all support each other.

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  18. This is such a sweet and precious photo, Su! And I’m so sorry that he isn’t staying with you for the moment at least. But soon this will be over, and you’ll hold him in your arms again! Stay strong! Kia kaha, dear friend! xxx

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    • Thank you so much. In some ways I wish he was with us too, although when he is in a black mood he has a talent for spreading the misery, and I’m stronger when I’m not around him all the time. Does that sound very selfish?
      How are you and your mum doing?

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      • It doesn’t sound selfish at all, Su! I completely understand, and you really shouldn’t feel bad about it. Depressive people have a tendency to suck the ones around them into their hole of misery even if they don’t mean to, it just happens. And now is not a good time to feel miserable if you can avoid it, since it influences your immune system. Sending lots of love and many hugs! xxx

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    • There are going to be a lot of milestone birthdays celebrated in novel ways this year!
      My son’s girlfriend turned 21 and they are waiting for restrictions to be lifted to have a party. Who knows when that will be.

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