Early in 2020, no one could have ever imagined that a pandemic would alter life as we know it. Everyday life ground to a halt. Many of the precious things we took for granted were suddenly out of reach.
The author of this book became a first-time grandmother in September of 2020. The illustrator's third grandchild was born on the same day. The pandemic has made visiting and holding these infants very difficult-to keep them safe, masks, socially distant visits in the back yard, door visits, and Zoom calls intervened. And in Italian and Greek families, big gatherings are simply what people do!
After much soul searching, the author wrote her granddaughter a letter that tried to explain what she was feeling. It made her realize that these feelings were not unique. Many, many babies have been born during this pandemic. Those grandparents-any family members, really-were feeling the same, going through the same emotions. This book is an effort to remind them all that they are not alone. . .and that love prevails even in the most challenging situations.
With so much tragedy and sorrow this pandemic has brought to the world, this keepsake volume is a reminder that no obstacle can stand in the way of such a special bond. It touches on the longing of grandparents to hold their newborn grandchildren at a time when that couldn't happen.
The illustrations in this book are based on symbols and patterns found in many different cultures throughout the world. They represent positive ideas-unity, harmony, courage, wisdom, strength, love, protection, and happiness, values we all wish for our children, our grandchildren, and the world.
