Still not met granddaughter

Three years and counting since we last saw our son (only child), his wife and two little girls. Australia always feels like a long way away when you can't afford the flights and even more so now that we can't go anyway and they certainly can't come here while it is so unsafe.
But we have a cunning plan! A win on the lottery can’t be far away. Hiring a private jet must be easy. Not sure how we get permission to land so we might have to be a bit devious. Land elsewhere and trek/swim!
I could weep every day for fear of never seeing them again but what good would that do?

I know it so sad for grandparents, but I always think back to when my son was born 30 years ago - I was living in Australia and my parents back here in the UK.
No skype, Facetime etc then - just weekly letters and photos, and a monthly phone call.
My son was 11 months old before my mum got to actually meet him and if I had stayed in Oz, would have been a lot longer before the rest of the family met him!

Dear Newatthis ,
I feel for you, I really do.
Life has changed beyond belief for all of us and it is very, very hard. We have 2 new GC, but have been fortunate to be able to see them a few times, once lockdown relaxed, but it still breaks my heart (they both live many miles away), so can only imagine how you must be feeling. However, we must console ourselves that everyone is in the same situation, the families remain safe and well and they are excellent at keeping in contact. Thank goodness for Skype etc! Be kind to yourself, allow yourself to cry and feel sad, but try not to let that overshadow the times that you do have online contact etc. Look forward to the day that you will meet them, it will come and it will be wonderful and worth waiting for.

Feel for you newatthis, it really is the most awful situation and such a waiting game.
I went abroad for 2 years when my youngest was 4 months old and we only had letters or the odd telephone call to go on. My Mum felt like you over missing her grandchildren but got through it somehow and you will too. Hold on to skype and facetime they are a fantastic resource for you.

Oh Newatthis you have my heartfelt sympathy. (Our only child & family live 5000 miles away; we haven't seen them since 2018. My hope is now for 2021.) Sadly my advice has to be the same as lots of other GNs - don't book anything yet. What keeps me going is holding on to the knowledge that they're safe and well. And I continue keeping in touch by all means possible. Perhaps you can start a "diary" about your thoughts and feelings - and one day you can share this with your new DGD? Thinking of you.

Feel your pain. We had the benefit of several weeks of our first grandchild because their parents were living with us while they saved.
They have had to move out though, to keep my vulnerable husband safe and we won’t be able to see them again until there is a vaccine or more effective treatments.
Somehow having met our grandchild was making it feel worse in that we now know who we’re missing but having read your post, I can put that into perspective.

Can only empathise and say this really won’t last forever. Have faith in our brilliant and dedicated scientists, there will be a vaccine or effective treatments before too long.

I know how you feel, my daughters and families live in the U.S and Australia
I miss them dreadfully, and would love to know when I am going to see them all again
But I know it isn't going to happen this year
But look forward to seeing them next year, when my husband and I have settled in our new house
As this covid time has given us the chance to sit back and realise what it is we want and that is a house move
and not all that travelling to visit them and spending thousands to do so

Mine are in Canada and our grandson is 8 months now. It is hard, but hang on to the hope of vaccine advances and an effective global testing system. They will come. Scientists are learning new things about it everyday and we will master this in time.

My son and his family are in Canada and they have a 9 month old that I have yet to meet in person. I was meant to go in the summer, but obviously this was cancelled. No idea when we shall next be able to see each other in person.
I make the most of Skype and whatapp.

This is a dreadful time and to not have the opportunity to meet your new grandchild and spend time with family must be really painful and frustrating. I think Lucca gave good advice, don’t suppress your emotions and cry when you need to, but try to remain cheerful and upbeat when FaceTiming the family. Hopefully one day this will end and life will be able to return to normal again. ?

My sister in law who is a Australian citizen is still waiting to get home she been waiting since beginning of September

I am sympathetic that families have been kept apart but, if all countries had been as sensible and closed their borders for a few months, we may not be in the prolonged situation we still find ourselves in.

Sympathies from me, know how you must feel, my family spread out all over the UK except eldest grandson, in OZ, worried we may never see him again. Hope you get to see yours in the not too distant. Newatthis.

Hithere

This is my strategy: acknowledge what you cannot change and control, have a sef pity party, see the positive side of the situation and move on.

I guess I am a practical person.

Good for you. Well done. Bravo. You obviously know what it feels like.

Dear oh dear if that’s what you call “calling out”......
Sorry Newatthis, I tried to say something helpful but I’m out now.

This is my strategy: acknowledge what you cannot change and control, have a sef pity party, see the positive side of the situation and move on.

I guess I am a practical person.

OP asked for kindness. Not sympathy. I didn’t see the need to call those two posters out.

It's a horrible situation, but people are right - the most important thing is to stay well so that you can meet when things are safer.

I've read about other people whose families are far away and they've had to stay in touch through Skype etc. If your daughter talks about you to the children, they see you on Skype and in photos, then when you eventually meet they will know who you are - one of the family, not a stranger. In the meantime, keep yourself in their thoughts by writing to them and sending little gifts.

I understand how upset you feel Newatthis. Your arms will be aching to hold your grandchild. My grandchild gave me a cuddly toy when she realised that she could no longer visit and I do find that giving it a cuddle helps. Take care.

I didn’t say unkind, I said less than sympathetic

Shoot. Did not mean to add an !

lucca! They both gave realistic advice. Neither were unkind.

Just keep saying "as long as they all stay safe".
And I agree with Lucca, don't let them know how sad you are.

I feel welbeck and hithere gave less than sympathetic /empathetic responses.
I haven’t seen my son and GC in Australia for nearly two years and I know how you feel. My only advice is allow yourself to weep when you want to but never let your daughter know how sad you are.

I’m sorry. I can imagine this is very hard.

Try to take solace in that she would see you if she could, and this separation is in everyone’s best health interest.