Langreck: A little thanks goes a long way

I know I have written about my kids in the past, but I wanted to share what I believe to be an uplifting story revolving around one of them. My youngest daughter, Reagan, who is about 4 1/2 years old, has a genetic condition called Albright’s hereditary osteodystrophy, and because of this, she has some immune system issues.

Although she may be very small for her age due to this condition, she is mighty, she loves bossing around her siblings and Hobby Lobby is her favorite store of all time. However, due to COVID-19 and all the restrictions that were put into place to help slow the spread of the virus and her disorder, Reagan’s doctors wanted her to stay home and not go out at all.

Reagan was not particularly happy with that order. But she didn’t have much of choice, since she is only 4.

For about six to seven months, the only places Reagan was allowed to go were her dad’s, her doctor’s and car rides to pick up food. When non-essential stores were allowed to start opening up again, my mom, my older sister and I — armed with hand sanitizer, masks and wet wipes — took Reagan on a trip to Hobby Lobby.

She was beyond excited, and although we carried her instead of putting her in a shopping cart, she was having the time of her life. One might have thought she was at Disney World.

Although, she was fine and didn’t get sick, as cases started to increase, Reagan’s doctors said no more Hobby Lobby trips throughout the winter. However, she has been able to get out more, once spring arrived this year, and enjoy the weather.

We have even been able to take Reagan to a few restaurants, and we are so grateful to the business up where we live, that when we ask for seating away from others, they take the necessary precautions, and more than once we have had restaurants give us an entire side where no one else is seated.

We are very thankful to everyone who has been accommodating during this difficult time. Truly, we’re all in this together.