For the first time in nearly a year, loved ones are able to see their relatives staying at a Tulsa assisted living facility, due to a decline in COVID-19 numbers in Tulsa County.

The reunions are a big step for Aberdeen Heights. Dinah Hildebrand said she's been waiting months to see her mother there.

"It was actually the day before Thanksgiving we got to see her," Hildebrand said.

Hildebrand and her mom Ila Frost met again in the Aberdeen Heights courtyard to see each other face-to-face.

"It just made me really happy," Hildebrand said.

That's the point, families and friends can be themselves and laugh, hearing each other's voices without a pane of glass between them. Hildebrand made sure to keep up with visitor requirements in the months before her visit.

"I probably come up here once or twice a week and just stand at the door and say, "'When can I see my mom? When do I get to come back?'" Hildebrand said.

All the while, her mother waited patiently inside.

"I just take life as it comes," said Ila Frost.

Staff keeps scheduled visitor meetings as safe as possible with masks, distance, and open-air in the courtyard. Both women are also fully vaccinated.

It's a long way from back to normal, but it's a huge step towards families just getting to be families again.