Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

It was our three now four year old grandson's birthday yesterday. We took a distanced, masked walk with them in the morning, while he rode his scoot bike, then in the afternoon they were on their deck and we were below while he opened presents and ate cake. Then right at dark, we took two separate cars and drove through an area downtown that had lights and magical people in costumes and he was thrilled so much they looped around and did the drive again. My husband and I headed back home. Our grandson seemed okay but with no kids, which he's old enough to want, it was a bit sad. Luckily, he's in a preschool and Monday his parents will go in with him and tell a story. He will the the birthday boy. First our now five year old had to not have a party or friends, now this one. The two younger ones are fortunately oblivious, but our twelve year old turns 13 in April and I hope somehow she can have a real celebration. Her mother is gone, so all the hoopla will have come from her dad, unless we can be there by then. it seems doubtful. The cost of this pandemic to our children is heavy. No school, no playmates, no mentors, no music, no sports, no museums, zoos and parks. How will this change them? I have no idea, but I hope all of them are supported, feel safe, and are loved.