Being a long distance granny

Feeling very down today. We really missed our DS and his family at Christmas ( they are is Australia) even though we were able to FaceTime them. I just missed seeing our GS face when he opened our presents, ( they wanted us to send money this year) although I did send a small gift we didn't see him open it. Then they have posted pics on Facebook about their new year celebrations which made me feel worse. I know they are happy and I am so thankful it has all worked out well for them, but I can't help missing them . It has got easier but at this time of year it is still so hard. We are such a small family that 3people make a huge difference.

Then yesterday my DD rang in tears - a very close friend of hers had passed away on Christmas Eve. So very sad, she left two small boys and DD was inconsolable. That put everything into perspective for me; we are so lucky to have our DS and DD and grandchildren no matter where they are and I must be so grateful they are happy and healthy and enjoying their lives.

Gailjo It's very hard when they first go, and I understand how sad you're feeling. You'll find your way with it in time, I'm sure. As Jess said, it can be a hard row to hoe, and taking the gardening analogy further, seeds planted now will develop and produce good results.

Natsnan Very sad news indeed.

I couldn't agree more with your last sentence. Well said.

(Although I wouldn't say 'must' - I'd say "I am" instead)

Ffinn.... Yes, definately I am, thoughts ran ahead of me there . We are so very lucky.

JessM You have just the feelings as me! That's two of us then! It's lovely when our offspring get together, even when we aren't there and miles away. It's Sound of Music and some knitting for me on this awful rainy day. OH has offered to make a cup of tea. Sounds ordinary, but trying to extract the maximum pleasure out of little things, which can be difficult at times. Christmas & New Year can be emotional times, can't they?

Thank you for your reply. I joined the forum for support and to chat to people who understand. It's nice to know you are not alone ��

Gailjo is there any chance of you being able to visit for the birth of your grandchild? My daughter is in the US and I was lucky enough to be able to watch my granddaughter's birth and I stayed to help out for six weeks. Leaving them behind was very hard, but I have been back twice since. Otherwise we have to make do with Skype but once your grandchild is able to recognize you,it really is the next best thing to actually being with them. Our little one is nearly three now and knows how to call me on Skype all by herself! She carries me around on the iPad so I have seen the world from a new angle as we go in her Wendy house, or in the kitchen cupboards.

Like others have said, it is the only way I know of being a grandparent. It is frustrating at times, and I long to hold her but am still able to read to her and play pretend games with her for which I am very grateful even though it is not how I had imagined it would be.

You are certainly not alone. Some people seem to be able to accept the situation more easily than others, but it takes some getting used to. I feel for you and wish you all the best.

That was such a nice reply. Thank you. I have tried to keep busy all day and spent some time crafting. The tears have dried up for the time being. I know I need to be positive it's just so hard sometimes. Thank you again. Gail

Well, we are just about back to normal now and that is probably a good thing - the time over Christmas & New Year just went on a bit too long for me. I made the mistake of not organising any get-togethers with my friends during that time and I expect you know what's coming up - they were busy with their grandchildren and families and I got no invites from them either! I had a busy run up to the Festive Season and was frankly glad to have a rest after Boxing Day, but it didn't work for me this year and I must learn from that. Now I am back into the swing of normal life with meetings to attend and a talk to give tonight etc, etc, I have activities to take my mind off my family 'over there'. I wish everyone a Happy New Year and hope you are able to keep in touch with your overseas' families and perhaps even plan a holiday out to see them in 2014.

The time between Christmas and NY and just beyond can be depressing - DH and I have both been unwell so feeling a bit housebound (not seeing anyone in case we spread it around). Family in Australia have had phone problems due to storms, so not hearing quite so much from them either - and it's the time difference that makes it so difficult, especially with DGS. One lot are coming over in the spring so we have that to look forward to. At least we are not flooded or cut off, so I hope none of you are either. Count my blessings and keep knitting!

Just got a load of photos on Facebook so I am in heaven (for now) - some were just taken today so I can really see what my dear grandsons look like just now.
The lows and highs of long distance grannydom.

Hello to all long-distance grans. Just wanted to tell you we leave early tomorrow to visit our little treasure in the US. Haven't seen her since May so you will understand how excited I am! Will keep in touch but you are all on my mind

Bellsa Have a good trip out and a wonderful time!

Have a wonderful time and lots of cuddles bellasnana.

Thank you so much ffinnochio and margaretm74

Bellasnana you just enjoy every minute! xx

Thanks, Ariadne

Well, it was worth the long trip to see DD2, SiL and DGD waiting for us at the airport. Then, yesterday morning, woke to find DD1 had driven the six hour journey from NW Florida to surprise us! Lots of tears, I can tell you.

Today is DGD's third birthday so another day at Disney World is planned. We all had a good day there yesterday even though we are still tired from the journey. Trying to enjoy every minute and not let thoughts of having to leave them all again get in the way.

Thank you all for your kind words and understanding

Thank you for your good wishes Bellasnana and what a lovely surprise for you,your happiness at having your family all together shines out of your post. It's a special feeling when your children get together to surprise you.

I tend to forget that I'm a long distance granny, maybe because I saw a lot of them when they were tiny. I'm not the other side of the world from them of course and I can usually get to see them every three or four months. Now GD1 and GS are living away from home I think my daughter misses them a much as I do.

My son and family went to Australia two weeks ago, he's working there for 12 months with a view to staying permanently. I have 2 grandchildren of 5 and 10. I spent a lot of time with them while they were here so am missing them a lot. As other people say, thank goodness for Skype! I totally understand why they've gone, and only want them to be happy. I'm staying positive and am hoping to visit them in September so will focus on making plans for my trip. It will be a great adventure for me. In the meantime I keep myself busy with good friends, who are a godsend.

We are in Switzerland, and grandkids in UK/Surrey- so I can jump on EasyJet, or TGV and Eurostar, or even in the car and be there in a day. And that is hard enough. If they ever decided to move to the other side of the world, I would of course support and encourage them all the way- but I would find that so so so hard- so my heart goes out to all of you with grandkids so far away. I really do.

I do think if that happened, that I would up stick and go there- taking a little house or flat nearby (but not too near). But I know, easier said than done.

I miss my granny so much. She lived in a retirement home in Ottawa. Hopefully I will be with her next week.

chrissiecas that is good that you have such a positive attitude and I do understand about it being an adventure for you. I doubt if we would have ever ventured across the pond if two of our daughters had not moved to the States. We, too, are happy for them and always encouraged them to be adventurous, but we hadn't imagined how our little granddaughter would wrap herself around our hearts making it very painful to live so far apart.
We are with them for a holiday at present and it is a joy to have that little treasure in my arms every day. She was three on Saturday and is such a character. I feel the tears pricking my eyes when I look at her little face and know that in five weeks we will have to part again for at least another year.
Anyway, must get up - we have another day of Disney today!

Hi Bellasnana, yes it must be painful all over again when it comes to leaving them, you feel you're missing so much of their growing up. Still, as long as they're well and happy, that's all we can hope for. Continue having a great time with your family.