Mrs. Jo Ann Visits Marleewood For The First Time

As Mrs. Jo Ann was driving into Marlee's small hometown she smiled to herself as she thought of Marlee and her little sister, Whitlee. She loved them both as well as their grandmother, Bonnie, or Grandma B as the little ones called her. "This will be a nice little time away from home for me. I have never visited Marleewood and would like to spend a little time with the little ones and have a cup of coffee with B. Since the start of the Corona virus, Marleewood has been closed. They just now have opened up a few days a week."

When Mrs. Jo Ann pulled into the parking lot she saw signs indicating that social distancing was still necessary. There was a sign on the door that said that there could only be only ten people in Marleewood at the same time.
"I'll be so glad when we can get back to normal again. Wearing a mask is necessary and so is using hand sanitizers and wipes to make sure everything is as clean as can be. I sure don't want to get sick like so many people around the world."

When she opened the door the most amazing smells came out of the back kitchen. Grandma B yelled, "Come on in, Jo Ann. Marlee and I are making pizza for lunch. Why don't you join us?"

Of course, Mrs. Jo Ann did join them for lunch. She told Marlee what a good job she had done with making the pizza. Grandma B even called it a masterpiece.

Everyone was busy visiting. It had been a long time since they had seen each other. Sheltering in place had been going on for about two months. People were ready to get on with their lives. They were ready to get outside and enjoy the nice spring weather. Folks really missed going out to eat at restaurants and so many things they had taken for granted all of their lives.

Mrs. Jo Ann noticed a pile of mail on the counter. The envelopes were all addressed to Grandma Lu. "How is Grandma Lu doing? Is she still taking care of a lady in her home? She lives out in the country doesn't she?"
Grandma B said, "Yes, she is. Nursing homes and hospitals are not taking people in unless it is an emergency since the virus hit our country. Grandma Lu is fine and so is her patient, but we do miss her. I visit with her several times during the week by video chatting, but her friends young and small keep sending her letters and cards. Many of them have pictures in them I think."
"Why do they send her pictures?" asked Mrs. Jo Ann.
"Oh, a long time ago we had a party for her and one of her gifts was a photo album. She just loves pictures in a book rather than on a phone. She goes into the Quiet Room every once in awhile and puts pictures in it. Sometimes I can hear her chuckling as she looks at them."
"Oh, I would love to see that book. I love those old photo albums too. You can take your time and remember where and when and who, when you look at them. Where they were taken; when they were taken; and who all were in the picture. One of the greatest disappointments is to see a picture from long ago and not know who the people are. Always put names on the backs of the pictures."

Grandma B said, "Let me call Grandma Lu and see if she minds if you look at her book. She even has her late mother-in-law's huge book in the Quiet Room. I'm sure she will be fine with it. She misses you too. She was just telling me the other day that she can't wait to get out and about again to see friends and family. She's a "hugger" you know, so be prepared for a hug someday!" They both chuckled remembering the fun times with their friend.