I returned to work — from the van in Florida. 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.
Given how hugely influential my grandparents were during my childhood, I wasn’t ready to give up my goal of being present in N’s early life. It was also a month earlier than the time originally allocated for the leave (van life suited my recovery), so I was completely geographically/emotionally unprepared to head back.
Plus, the “kids” (N’s parents – my son and his fiancé) were so young and new at parental responsibility, they could use some extra support and guidance, particularly noted from my observations during my time there to date. So I couldn’t quite leave yet.
