• My 60-year-old parents lived with my family of seven on and off for over two years. • Their time with us was affected by the pandemic, which delayed their home construction. • There were challenges to living together, but overall, we both see that time together as a gift.

Two months after delivering my fifth baby — a traumatic, whirlwind event that involved a placental abruption, a preemie, and a NICU stay — my parents moved in with us. The move was intended to be temporary, as they had sold their house and needed a place to stay until they could close on their new home.

And it was temporary, until the second home didn't work out, and they went back to our basement. That second move was also intended to be short-term, but then something unexpected happened: the COVID-19 pandemic.

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