An unorthodox holiday
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ALPENA -- A few moments outside an open window and some quality time on Facetime was all Monica Garrow was able to spend with her son Ethan Martin during Christmas.
Ethan became infected with the coronavirus and is in quarantine at his father's house, which forced him to be away from those he is close to, including his daughter Ava Martin over the holiday.
Garrow said on a typical Christmas, her family gets together on Christmas Eve and enjoys a large dinner and each person gets a couple gifts to open, before the ones from Santa are opened up on Christmas Day.
Because of her son's illness, which she said he is bouncing back from, an auditable needed to be called this year.
She said the family went to where he was in isolation on Friday to visit, and let him watch his daughter open presents in person. Later, Ethan used Facetime to participate in the holiday celebration.
"We did everything we could to keep him involved as much as possible," Garrow said. "We dropped some presents to him through the window and let him see his daughter. It wasn't ideal but making sure he got to see his beautiful girl and we got to see him was all that mattered"
Ethan said he tested negative for COVID-19 early last week, but then a positive test came Wednesday. He said his mother was the one to be contacted with the bad news and when she forwarded him the news, he had a hard time believing her.
"I had a hard time believing her and I was in disbelief and it was upsetting," he said. "It was hard. The Christmas celebration is something I never want to miss, but at least I got to see my daughter on Christmas and the video call."
The Christmas celebration is not over for the family, Garrow said. She said she cut a deal with Santa that convinced him to return after he was forced to pass by her home Friday Night.
"Santa is making a magical appearance later this week after my son gets out of quarantine," she said. "Santa knew someone was sick and in isolation and he couldn't come over, so he is making a special stop, probably Friday."
Ethan said he is eager for Santa's visit and to have a more typical celebration later this week.
Ava, who is three years old, will likely have to celebrate her birthday Tuesday away from her father as well, Garrow said. But there will be a duel celebration when Ethan is able to clear COVID-19 protocols.
People all over the world celebrated Christmas in unorthodox ways as the spread of COVID-19 threw curveballs into familys' holiday plans, but Garrow made it her goal to include her son as much as possible, while keeping the balance of her family safe from infection.
Garrow said people and families that experienced similar situations as herself, or more tragic, are on her mind.
"This didn't just happen at our house but for many around us and in so many different ways big and small," she said. "Whether you're dealing with separation, sudden or past loss, physical or mental illness, whatever it may be, I'm sending out all the love and hope that everyone is finding as much happiness as possible this holiday season."