When my 2 AC left home within 1 year of another I felt as if I had died inside. I used to cry a lot. Now, 20 years later, I'm lucky that DD lives near me. However she works almost full-time so I don't see a lot of her. I do suggest outings occasionally and we do have them - I always pay! My DS lives 150 miles away and I get a phone call once a week. I always ask him when I will see him again and suggest visiting around birthdays and other events which he usually agrees to. When he left home, fearing how infrequently I would hear from him, I told him firmly that I expected a weekly phone call and he's stuck to that. I sometimes tell him how much I miss him and I do send emails/photos showing where I've been though rarely get a reply. I have to say though that neither of my children is what I would call loving. It's just how they are made. So we're in a kind of routine which I have to accept. Would much prefer they all popped in for a cuppa now and then. I don't think having hobbies can ever make up for family life. The young years go by so fast it's heartbreaking. But, looking back, I was the same when I was young - working and travelling. Then busy bringing up my 2 with no time for much else.
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