This post is a part of the Five Minute Friday link up. We write for just 5 minutes on a one-word prompt without heavy editing and see what happens. Today’s prompt is “another.”
I don’t think Sam Cooke, the writer of “Another Saturday Night,” had our current situation in mind when he wrote the song. If you’re not familiar with it, the lyrics go on, “I got some money ’cause I just got paid. How I wish I had someone to talk to. I’m in an awful way.”
My husband’s 76-year-old mother with COPD lives with us, so we have been strict about anyone coming in the house who doesn’t already live here. We make an exception for my sister-in-law who has taken on the task of buying her groceries. That means that my sons and my grandson have not been here in at least 3 weeks.
My mother in law feels badly that we’re making these sacrifices of having long-distance relationships during this time because of her, but that’s just what you do with a loved one. You do what’s necessary. You exercise caution. You spend another Saturday night (or Thursday, or Monday. Really, any night will do) watching a movie or doing a puzzle or playing a game. You turn to virtual venues like FaceTime or Zoom or Facebook Messenger or Google Meets to do what you need to get done.
Zayne and I have tried virtual story time with Nana, but he’s not much to sit in one place for very long. He just looks at the phone, looks at his dad and says, “I ready go Nana’s house.”
Breaks my heart.
But it’s not forever. Even though he’s used to spending 5 days a week here since he was 5 weeks old, he won’t forget we exist. I hope.
Hang in there, bud. We’ll be back together again soon.
Who are you missing in your time of sheltering in place?
Compelled 
Fellow FMF writer stopping in! Thanks for sharing! Never thought I’d say this, but missing my co-workers – just the interaction, sharing a space with someone else.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder? Hang in there! Stay well. Thanks for stopping by.
Cat Stevens RULES!
‘Nother Saturday night, ain’t got nobody,
but that is how my life’s now played,
and I will not get all messy-bloody
falling upon my own knife blade.
These times, sure, they a-passin’,
but too late, maybe for some,
and God, forgive me askin’,
is this the way things be run?
And God says, now baby, hush,
I didn’t want this, neither, see?
But when it’s shove, then push,
I’m still here, still carin’ for, yeah, thee.
Calm your fears and dry your eyes,
’cause My Son is gonna rise.
Your gift for rhyme is amazing, Andrew! Thanks for always making me smile.
Yes, all of this is so sad to be away from our little ones. We did a drive-by birthday sing for Elise the other day which was fun, but at the same time hard especially to see little Sequoia with a questioning look, like why weren’t we stopping?
I’ve done Zoom story time with them which gives a few minutes to interact.
Ugh. I know! I keep trying to think of ways they could come and just be outside, but I know Zayne wouldn’t understand. 😭
It must be heartbreaking to be separated from your grandson. Thankful for technology which keeps us still connected.
It’s been so hard! Now I know how long distance grandparents feel. 😢
I miss in person time with my family, but thanks to technology, we can have weekly get togethers through ZOOM.
It’s definitely better than nothing. Thanks, Sandra.