The pandemic put up a barrier. It halted their routine get-togethers and canceled their many plans, such as a mother-daughter trip to New York City to celebrate Nicole’s graduation from the University of California Davis last year. Top of mind was protecting Barbara’s husband—Nicole’s stepfather—who has a compromised immune system. By May, Nicole had not seen her mother in-person since August and was counting down the days until they were all vaccinated. On Mother’s Day weekend, they felt safe to visit. “I was just really excited to hug her again,” Nicole said. “I was thinking about all the stuff we were going to get to do.” When they first embraced, Barbara felt a flood of joy. “I have missed you so much,” she told Nicole. “You’re not leaving my side. You’re going to stay for a couple months, right?” Barbara thought Nicole had gotten taller. Nicole joked that maybe her mom was shrinking. Neither wanted to let go. “We just couldn’t get enough,” Barbara said.