Derek Davidson and Alex Macdonell were overwhelmed with emotion when they arrived from Canada last weekend to finally see Gisborne family members after years of delays largely caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Isaac, 7, was waiting with a handmade sign saying “GD” – his name for his granddad - while Ruth, 5, who had never met her Vancouver-based grandparents in person, held a colourful sign with “Nana” written on it.
It was also the first time they got to cuddle the newest member of the family, Charlie (2), whose sign appropriately said: “We’re meeting our grandparents for the first time.”
Derek’s daughter Ashley Mountfort tried to capture the airport meeting on her phone’s camera but struggled to focus through teary eyes.
Ashley met her Gisborne-born husband Peren while they were studying in Dunedin and they have been living and raising a family here for the past three years.
She hadn’t seen her dad since he was last in New Zealand in 2018 to celebrate Isaac’s first birthday.
In 2020, Derek and Alex were packed and ready to fly to New Zealand from Vancouver when the New Zealand border was closed in the first Covid lockdown.
Derek was considered an essential worker as a maintenance person for an affordable housing village, so he needed to continue working.
Alex’s dad was unwell at the time and other circumstances meant the couple made the decision to remain in Canada.
“We were nervous that if we had have arrived in New Zealand we would’ve been stuck here,” Alex said.
The family have since stayed in contact through regular video calls but it isn’t the same as face-to-face contact.
“We are just enjoying every moment,” Alex said. “It’s so nice to finally be here and to spend time together and get to know the kids in person.”
Derek plays the bagpipes and brought his instrument with him. The pipes are 103 years old and as well as having an excellent sound, they have sentimental value through his Scottish heritage.
“I’m the third person in my family to play them,” he said.
Ashley grew up in the United States and has memories of doing Highland dancing while her dad accompanied her on the pipes.
Stepmum Alex also has Scottish roots and volunteers as a steward at the British Columbian Highland Games.
Derek recently played in the World Pipe Band Championships in Scotland with his Vancouver band the Greighlan Crossing Pipe Band. They were one of 230 entrants.
Isaac is hoping his granddad will give him a few lessons while in Gisborne. Derek is happy knowing there might be another member of the family he could pass the beloved pipes on to one day.
The grandparents arrived laden with gifts, including a digital camera (for Isaac) and a Scandinavian ride-on toy that can be made into a variety of things, from scooter to go-kart. The toy had been sitting in its box for five years ahead of the trip.
“GD” promised to start assembling it later with the help of the children.
While in New Zealand, the couple are planning to do some sightseeing in Rotorua with their family. They are scheduled to fly out in a few weeks, although they might be tempted to extend their stay.
