Second Supper Part Two
Reginald decided to make a pot of coffee. Coffee sounded good about now. At the same time, Marcelle was quick to find answers. Reginald felt lost.
Why do our children not want to be a part of our lives? What would make children turn to hate us and each other? What could draw them back where we could have Second Supper? The questions were too hard to answer this time of the morning.
Pouring coffee and sipping slowly, he got on Google and read an article from John Hopkins University. The article was about reconnecting with a loved one. Here were some of the ideas.
Could you send photos or newspaper clips that made you think of the person? Could you send a favorite recipe?Could you make a favorite treat and send it through the mail? Send hand-written or decorated cards.Read a book together virtually.Send a jigsaw puzzle or other gift they might enjoy that would help with brain health too. Connect via teleconference for one-on-one or significant group discussions, and ask them to tell stories of their memorable holiday celebrations. Say grace with each other over the phone before a meal.
Drive by a loved one’s house to wave and chat on the phone while physically able to see each other from the home to the car. Create a routine activity that you can put on the calendar, e.g., always call on Sunday at 5 pm, so they know to look forward to it (and you remember to do it).
Then he read these words: Practice gratitude and a positive mindset rather than focusing on what we cannot have or do this year and encourage others to do the same. Be thankful for the meaningful things you can still do together. This helps us reinforce neural pathways, which become our go-to thoughts.
What if you don’t do things together and you are far apart? Marcelle continued talking about how she would handle it. She would knock on their doors until they came out. Then could you talk some sense into them? That would not work with his children. Marcelle said goodbye and commented what a pleasant visit she had. Reginald saw Katie at the bedroom door crying. Reginald, “All I can do is pray. My heart is broken. However, would any of these ideas work? They prayed together and held each other’s hands.
