I returned to work — from the van. I did not return to California. I got a temporary remote work arrangement through January, 2022. So I set about getting the van set up for remote work and dug back in.
My grandparents were hugely influential during my childhood. Of all my fond memories, they take precedence. My parents divorced when I was 10 and my dad moved in with his parents, so I spent every weekend at their house. My grandfather provided supplies to build my forts in the backyard, set up gymnastics spotting rigs in his garage to help me learn back flips, and took us to the Y to go swimming regularly. He took me to the local lake to test the boat I built, surely knowing it would sink, but not discouraging my experimentation.
I wanted to be a grandparent like that. Not someone the kid barely remembers because she only sees once or twice a year. Plus, the kids (parents) are so young, they could use some extra support and guidance. So I couldn’t quite leave yet.
