While lockdowns might be ending around the country, that doesn’t make it safe for people over the age of 60 – those most likely to suffer the brutal effects of the novel coronavirus – to venture out safely.

This has been especially hard for grandparents, especially those who normally see a lot of their beloved grandchildren but are now cut off from them for their own safety. After all, young people can be asymptomatic carriers, having no idea they’re spreading the virus because they don’t feel the effects of it themselves.

For many, it feels like an entire year has gone by – missing Mother’s Day, graduations (most of which were canceled anyway), and other big events such as birthdays. Some grandparents of newborns aren’t even sure when they’ll get to hold their grandchild safely for the first time.

Since spending time with grandchildren often leads to better physical AND mental health in grandparents, it’s important for those with good relationships to find a way to see each other. Video chats and socially distanced visits help, but simply aren’t the same as a good hug. After all, we thrive on physical contact with the ones we love.

Since many people have gone wild ignoring the social distancing guidelines put in place by local and state governments, it’ll now be even longer until it’s safe for grandparents and grandchildren to spend time together in person.

But one 10-year-old has come up with her own way to give her grandparents a hug – and it’s an invention that is bringing a tear to the eyes of other grandmas and grandpas around the world.

After seeing a blanket someone created to safely hug their loved ones without spreading the virus, a Riverside, California pre-teen named Paige asked if she could make her own device.

Her mom proudly posted about it on Facebook, showing off her daughter’s creativity and love for her grandparents.

People were stunned at the clever door covering that kept the germs out and the love in.

A plastic sheet covered the front door of Paige’s grandparents’ home, held in place with sealing tape. Four holes were cut in the center and then sealed, with extra plastic wrap that allowed people on both sides of the door to reach their arms through and hug the other.

When Paige’s grandmother first answered the door and saw the contraption, she looked surprised but knew exactly what to do.

And the look of joy on her face before allowing grandpa to get a hug brought a tear to people’s eyes.

The reactions were both heartbreaking and heartwarming, with plenty of people hoping to find a way to make their own.

“This made me cry because I miss my grandsons and daughters hugs so so much. I have asthma and cannot have contact with anyone. I want to find out how to make this so that I can hug my family while being safe,” said one grandmother.

The news made it as far as Australia, where another grandma sent a message to Paige via her mother’s Facebook post:

“I am a grandma from Australia who saw your story.
To me this is the best story in today’s news from around the world.
Your creation, to give your grandparents a safe hug, must make them the most loved grandparents in the world.
You are indeed a special girl Paige and I just wanted you to know it made me cry tears of joy. You are giving the whole world a beautiful glimpse into happiness and love and made my heart glow.
So a huge thank you from me darling girl, you are a blessing to this world.”

The family didn’t share instructions, but DIY versions are possible as long as all openings are sealed.

Of course, the main tools needed are a little creativity and a lot of love.

Be sure to scroll down for the sweet video of Paige hugging her grandparents for the first time in weeks.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: Bored Panda, Lindsay Linsday via Facebook, NBC News, New York Times, The Boston Globe, Heart.org