In November 2019, local couple RJ and Ruth MacKenzie became grandparents for the first time when their daughter gave birth to a son, Noah. The parents live in Dauphin, which means it would take about four hours of driving for them to connect in person.
“Anyone who has experienced becoming a grandparent knows what a precious treasure it truly is—and how transformative it can be,” says Ruth. “Looking back, we are so grateful that we were able to see Noah and spend a few days in Dauphin just after he was born.”
The couple took a few short road trips since then to cuddle with their new grandson. The route is familiar, as RJ and Ruth lived in Dauphin for 27 years when their children were younger.
But the last time they saw Noah was right before everything began to shut down in mid-March.
“Eliminating the sense of touch, especially with our grandson, is difficult,” Ruth says. “These are such formative months. He is growing and changing by leaps and bounds.”
The MacKenzies’ two other adult children live in Sherwood Park, Alberta. With their children scattered across Canada, and the coronavirus keeping everyone at least six feet apart and at home as much as possible, technology has become an important tool for the family.
“We’ve been incredibly grateful for the iPad gifted to us this past Christmas by our children,” Ruth says. “We’ve enjoyed a few dinners together via FaceTime. I literally cried tears of joy the first time we did it!”
The coronavirus has drastically changed all aspects of their lives, especially since they had been planning a trip to Alberta over the Easter weekend to see everyone there.
Recently, the couple found out they will be grandparents again, as their oldest son and his wife are now expecting their first child in June.
“[His wife’s] mom was planning a baby shower for her and our hope was to attend,” Ruth says. “Needless to say, that shower has been postponed to a later date.”
As an educational assistant, Ruth has been off work, and at the moment she has no news of what’s to come. Teachers are continuing to work online, but EAs are still awaiting word from the school division.
RJ is the enrollment officer for Providence Theological Seminary in Otterburne, and he has been working online. More university students are able to take online courses, or even watch lectures via live video, so fall enrollment has continued.
“Our deepest thanks to those who work tirelessly on the front lines—you are priceless and we value each one of you, whatever your occupation,” Ruth adds. “Stay strong, stay healthy, and stay connected!”