Air Hugs Feel Empty — Katie Bromley

Well, here we are. 2021. Not really starting with the positive bang we had hoped for, our country’s leadership is a mess for a few more days and it’s embarrassing and horrific at the same time. And yet here we are. Covid is still rampant; worse in our part of California unfortunately, as it is in other parts of the world. Kids are still doing distance learning and doing their best to maintain their friendships with distanced outdoor playdates and FaceTime. A vaccine is slowly being rolled out but it’s TBD when non-essential workers and mid-aged people and kids will be receiving it. I really hope my parents get it soon.

This past Christmas was hard. We all sat in my parent’s backyard, socially distanced, and spent some wonderful time together. We brought our own little cocktails, watched the kids open gifts, talked, and laughed. The unspoken thing (because of the kids not knowing) was that it would be our last Christmas in the US for a while and how hard it was that we couldn’t hug each other on what is typically such a huggy and lovey time. The love was there, but so were the small smiles with tears in our eyes. The air hugs that feel empty. The thought and the love are there, but the gesture feels almost silly.

I need to hold it together and be strong about it. I’m 100% ready but my emotions still take over now and then. Moving to NZ will be fantastic. Being closer to B’s family is great for them, and for us, and I am confident the kids will absolutely thrive. They are both do’ers. I mean, I love playing Kung Fu Panda on the PS4 as much as the next girl, but sometimes you need to go do nerf guns in the park or go for a bike ride or a hike. The kids are always down for doing something and NZ is a country of do’ers.

I need to figure out what I need to do to be able to hug my parents. B suggested basically a giant plastic bag and you know what? I’m not opposed to that so I’m going to look into it. I’m surprised that someone hasn’t invented some type of “hug suit” by now. Come on Elon Musk- If you can launch a car in space….