When I was growing up, we lived fairly close to both sets of grandparents. I remember many days of sleepovers at nana and papa’s apartment, hearing the percolator making their morning coffee, and eating stacks of Bisquick pancakes.
After my siblings and I were all married and started having children, my own parents still lived fairly close and they were there shortly after both of our own children were born.
But then my parents moved out of state, and as my own children were growing up, we tried to see my parents at least once a year. Either they would drive down here for a holiday, or we would try to get up to visit them during the summer.
My mom would always say, “At least we didn’t move to Connecticut!” Meaning, we can make the drive to their house, or they can make the drive to ours in less than a day.
While we were homeschooling, I started my blog so that my parents could learn about some of the things we were doing and some of the adventures we were taking. Since I have always loved photography, this was also a way to share photos of our family. The homeschool blog took a different direction as the kids grew up and I had less to write about on that topic.
Over the years, I have used this platform to share some of my interests, whether it be on the topic of Compassion International, or books, or photography, or some of the other things I enjoy.
I am not really sure what the future of this blog will entail, but I know it is a place where I am free to write about things I am feeling. And just maybe, somebody who is reading this may be feeling the same way.
Two years ago, when our son got married during the shut down of the entire world, it was a pretty stressful time for everyone! We were pretty excited that our son and his new wife would be renting the home across the street from us. Once the national parks opened back up in the summer of 2020, I loved taking my daughter-in-law on multiple trips to Yosemite. I really thought she was beginning to love California as much as I do.
But I believe she was really homesick for her family, over 2000 miles away.
Just over a year ago, our son and his wife bought a home close to her family, over 2000 miles away.
It has been an incredibly hard transition for me because I suffer from a huge FOMO syndrome.
Fear of missing out.
And now, we have learned that we are going to be grandparents for the first time later this year.
I never anticipated being a long distance grandma.
I always thought I would be the grandma that would take grandkids to Yosemite, the ocean, the bookstore, on coffee dates, have them over for pancakes.
How do I be a long distance grandma?
Thankfully, I am not the first one to travel down this road!
I did a little searching today and found a blog written by a grandma who has been a long distance grandma…Grandma’s Briefs. The first post I read is called, “An open letter to new long-distance grandparents.”
I have already saved the article and have subscribed to her updates, because I know I will need to remind myself that I am not alone of this journey. In fact, a couple of my close friends are just now or will soon be long distance grandma’s also. I have already shared the blog with them!
I think through all of this though, it is a good reminder to me about the importance of a local church family and connecting with good friends.
I can be excited to see my little friends at church who run across the room and hug me when they find me.
I can drive up and see my younger mom friends who have little ones at home, sit on their couch, and read a pile of books to their little ones.
I can set aside time to watch little ones who live close by so a mom and dad can go on a date.
I can be present for a young family whose own parents might live far away.
Life is full of adventures and unexpected happenings.
And as always, I try to cling to this verse, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” - James 1:2-4
Question: Have you had family move away? What are your tips for staying connected?
