I'm a newbie to the Forum, and was so relieved to read other stories about Grandparents whose grandchildren are the other side of the world. It's bad enough having 2 of my children in NZ, but not having much contact with grandchildren is not a lot of fun.
My late husband (was widowed nearly 3 years ago) was a Kiwi, but never wanted to return to the country of his birth. I have worked hard to try and make a new life for myself on my own, but the UK is where I live, and I do not care to give my kids the impression I am needy or finding things hard.
Why not live 6 months in NZ and 6 in the UK, say friends? Well, it wouldn't work. I'd end up not belonging anywhere.
Last year, I did travel to NZ to see oldest son's new baby. Yes, there is Skype and FaceTime etc but when son & d-in-law work hard & long hours, it's not always easy to find mutual times for conversation & filming.
I said Cheerio to my daughter at Heathrow on Saturday. (Probably why I feel a bit sorry for myself now.) She is expecting their first child in November.
I am lucky to have a son in London, but I just wish my friends knew how hard it is to smile & seem interested when they rabbit on about their grandchildren's tea parties, first steps or outings. It hurts. It's not my friends' fault that they have no idea since i've learnt they have no idea about widowhood either.
Don't want your pity or anything like that, just needed to get out some of my feelings so I can get on with my day.
Thanks for listening or reading!
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