Owing to the spread of COVID-19, visiting loved ones has become something seemingly impossible.

Even so, when 9-year-old Romeo Cox decided what he wanted more than anything else was a hug from his 77-year-old grandmother, he didn’t let any small things, like separation, or that she was 1,700 miles away and there were no flights from his new home in Sicily to his native UK, stop him from making the trip.

“I hadn’t seen Granny for ages, so I planned secretly to go see her,” Romeo said in an interview with the Times. His parents disagreed at first, but Romeo finally talked them into letting him make the trip.

With his folks’ blessing, Romeo turned his plans into action. “I drew a map. I would walk and take boats,” he told the Times. “And I’d take Dad. It would be handy to have an adult.”

Handy indeed, since Romeo’s father, 46-year-old Phil Cox, is a retired journalist and filmmaker whose rich experiences gave him invaluable knowledge about making the way in less than ideal conditions.

Romeo and Phil set off on their journey on June 20. The pair trekked (跋涉) across Italy, Switzerland, and France.

While travelling, the two did meet some hardships or danger.

On September 21, father and son finally made it to Grandma Rosemary’s home in London.

Geraniums (天竺葵) of Love

Living in a loving family, I grew up with countless moments filled with precious love, which would be planted in my heart forever.

As the fifth of seven children, I went to the same public school as my three older sisters and brother. Every year, my mother went to the same school and had parent/child interviews with the same teachers. The only thing different was the child. And every child participated in an old school tradition-the annual plant sale held in early May, just in time for Mother's Day.

Third grade was the first time that I was allowed to take part in the plant sale. I wanted to surprise my mother. but I didn't have any money. I went to my oldest sister and shared the secret, and she gave me some money. When I arrived at the plant sale. I carefully made my selection, inspecting each plant to ensure that I had indeed found the best geranium. It actually took me a long time to make the final selection. Once I had secretly took it home, with the help of my sister. I hid it on the upstairs neighbor's porch. I was very afraid my mother would find it before Mother's Day, but my sister assured me that she wouldn't, and indeed she did not.

When Mother's Day arrived. I was bursting with pride when I gave her that geranium. Her eyes were bright and she was delighted with my gift. What I didn't realize was that Mum had known my secret long before.

When I was fifteen, my younger sister reached third grade. In early May she came to me full of wonder and secrecy and told me that there was going to be a plant sale at school, and she wanted to surprise our mother. Like my older sister did for me, I gave her some money and off she went.

She arrived at home full of nervous excitement, the geranium hidden under her sweater.

When she noticed me watching them, Mum gave me a gentle and secret smile.

A Father’s Day Surprise

“Mano, do you know when Father’s Day is celebrated?” Ali asked his sister.

“Yes, it is going to be celebrated on June 19 this year. Yesterday my friend and I were talking about it.” Mano replied.

“Do you have any idea how we should celebrate this day and make it memorable for Dad?” Ali asked.

“Hmm... I was thinking about it too and have some ideas.” Mano answered excitedly. “What are you kids talking about?” their mum asked, entering their room.

“Mum, we were wondering about how to celebrate Father’s Day.” Mano said.

“Oh, I am surprised you kids remembered! Well, I am thinking of cooking some favorite dishes for your father. You both should think of ways to decorate the house beautifully.”Mum said.

“That would be great!”said Mano and Ali together. Both of them got up smiling, thinking of hundreds of ways to celebrate Father’s Day. Mum went to the kitchen, and Mano and Ali started doing their homework. But soon Ali noticed Mano deep in thought so he asked what the matter was. “Ali, I was thinking that our parents do everything for us and in return they want nothing. Isn’t it bad that we never think about them and are always concerned about our needs?” Mano replied. “Sometimes we are so busy with our lives that we don’t pay proper attention to our parents. We should listen to whatever they say properly and answer them. We must also study hard to get good grades.” Ali nodded.

The next day, all three of them, Mano, Ali and their mum, got busy preparing their surprise celebration for Father’s Day. Mano drew a family picture with her crayons, Ali bought balloons and candles and began writing a poem which he planned to sing that day. In short, a lot of things were being planned and prepared.

Finally, when Father’s day came, both Ali and Mano came home from school and started decorating the house.

Ali and Mano cried out together, “Happy Father’s Day!”