Blowing kisses through the glass, N.L. family visits grandmother during COVID-19

Not even a global pandemic is going to keep Corner Brook's Seaborn family from visiting their grandmother, 96-year-old Evangeline Payne.

Julie Seaborn and her seven-year-old daughter, Emma, didn't let visitor restrictions due to COVID-19 get in the way of their weekly visit to the senior.

On March 17, they drove to the Mountain View Retirement Centre in Corner Brook the same as they usually do.

Instead of going inside, however, they stood outside Payne's window, while Emma called on the phone.

"I said, 'Oh my, let Nanny open hercurtains,'" said Payne.

"And when I looked, God love her, she was standing by the windowkissing her handand waving to me, and putting her hand on the window, the little doll."

Making the best of it

Julie Seaborn said chatting by phone through a window was not a normal visit,but they made the best of it.

She said a more typical stop at Payne's room would involve chatting about her grandmother's childhood on the Northern Peninsula and an opportunity for her to curl Payne's hair.

The children,when Seaborn'sfour-year-old Kyle tagsalong,might watch a show on the TV in Payne's room, but Emma said she usually looks forward to two things in particular.

"She always has treats and hugs," said Emma. "I'm used to being able to have hugs."

I love to see them come in the door, my dear. I love the children so much.- Evangeline Payne

There won't be any hugs or treats for the next while, but Julie Seaborn saidshe's fine with that.

"I'm actually quite happy that they've decided to restrict visitors at the home. I think it's the right thing to do," she said.

"The biggest concern for us is that she'll be 97 in May, and things can change quickly."

Staying connected

Payne said she looks forward to the visits from Seaborn and from as many of her 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren who are able to come visit.

"I love them when they come. I love to see them come in the door, my dear. I love the children so much," said Payne.

"It means the world to me."

For now, though, visits that involve close contact aren't possible andin spite of everything she's lived through in her lifetime, Payne admits that it'shard.

"It hurtsyou know, to see my grandchildren outside waving to me and throwing kisses to me," said Payne.

"But we got to go along with those things."

Seaborn said the home where her grandmother resides has also made it possible for residents to FaceTime with family members, so that gives them added contact.

"I'll make sure that my grandmother is not lonely, if I can help it," said Seaborn.

"I'll continue these visits. I mean, we don't have anything else to do."

Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador