For you, one of the most difficult sacrifices of the COVID-19 pandemic is that you haven’t been able to see your grandma in-person.
Either she lives in town and you haven’t been able to visit or your regularly scheduled visits and vacations had to be postponed.
Here’s some reassuring news: There are a number of ways to let your grandma know you love, miss and are thinking about her during this global health crisis.
All you need is a bit of imagination and determination.
Instead of visiting her face-to-face, you can always try the following ideas:
1. Run Errands for Her
These days, chances are your grandma is housebound in an attempt to stay safe and healthy.
If you live nearby, help out gram by running some errands on her behalf.
Give her a heads up that you plan to be out and about over the weekend and can pick up anything she needs.
For instance, you can offer to get her groceries, pick up any medications at the pharmacy, and/or buy some light bulbs and batteries at the local hardware store.
Now, if you live many states away, you can still offer this service.
Just give your grandma a call and ask if you can place an online grocery order to be picked up by another relative or delivered to her home.
2. Send Her a Special Gift
Another wonderful way to show how much you’re thinking of your grandma is by sending her a special gift.
For instance, grannies who love to craft might enjoy an assortment of goodies like stickers, paper and paint.
You can order these items online and then have them shipped straight to her home.
Don’t forget to include a note saying you can’t wait to join her soon for some serious art time!
Another great option is to surprise her with a bouquet of her favorite flowers delivered safely to her home.
If you’re not sure which types of flowers she likes best, ask other relatives or friends of hers for some suggestions.
3. Write Her a Letter or Give Her a Call
During these uncertain and lonely times, receiving a handwritten card or letter is certainly more meaningful than ever, especially since electronic communication like texting has become so commonplace.
But even if your grandma enjoys texting and emailing, you’ll boost her spirits tenfold make her feel more special with a handwritten note.
Buy a few greeting cards and send them to your grandma.
You can also write her a handwritten letter that recalls a funny story about something that happened at school or work. Indeed, her day will definitely be made.
4. Enjoy a Meal or Cup of Coffee, Virtually
Another great way to stay in touch is by sharing a meal or cup of coffee together, virtually.
Let your grandma know you want to treat her to an iced latte or her favorite sandwich from a local deli and come up with a day and time that works for you both to “meet” via Zoom, Skype or FaceTime.
Then, arrange for contact-free delivery to her front door and have your deli sandwich or coffee ready at the same time.
Set up your video call at the agreed-upon time and chat with her while you both eat lunch or sip your beverage.
One Day Soon, You’ll See Your Beloved Grandma Again
It may seem hard to believe, but one day this pandemic will ease up to the point where it will be safe to see your amazing grandma once again in-person.
But until that time comes, know there are plenty of thoughtful, fun, and, most importantly, safe ways for you to keep in touch and let her know how much she means to you.