To the Grandparents asking to hug their grandchildren,
I’m so sorry I have to tell you no.
No, I can’t let you hug them. No, I can’t let you have physical contact with them. No, not even for a second. No, not even if you promise not to kiss them.
No matter how hard you try, you won’t convince me that it’s no big deal.
I don’t want to forbid you from physically showing them love, but I have to.
And I’m sorry. I don’t like it either.
I know how hard it is for you—how hard it is for all of us, really.
You already worry about how much time you have left on this earth. How much time you have left to see your grandchildren, to celebrate holidays with them, to watch them grow. You don’t want to waste it or spend it alone. I know this because you’ve told me so.
You want to take every opportunity to hug your them and love them because you know you’re not going to live forever.
They want to hug you so badly, too, and I want them to be able to.
But we will not risk your health or safety—we will not risk your life for the sake of a hug.
This isn’t about the fact that you won’t live forever—we already know that, though we don’t like to think about it. No, it’s about wanting to help you live for longer.
So that when this is all over—because one day it will be—you’ll still be here to hug them. And kiss them. And sit with them on your lap.
To the Grandparents Asking to Hug Their Grandchildren,
I’m so sorry I have to tell you no.
