How does time pass so quickly when Chad, Nicole and Addie are here? It seems like I spend weeks getting ready for them to come, cleaning, kid proofing the house as best I can, buying little trinkets for Addie and things to keep her busy, planning meals … they get here and I turn around twice and it’s time for them to leave.
Last Night Here
Last night when I went to kiss her goodnight and she was snuggled with George, it was hard not to grab her and hold her tight, knowing that was her last night here.
They enjoy their life, they seem like a happy family, they’re healthy and I keep reminding myself that not getting to see them as often as I’d like is a minor issue.
This past year has been tough. I haven’t been to their house in a year. I met them at my aunt and uncle’s lakehouse in March but that still means I only got to see them once during the entire year. I was there in August for Addie’s birthday, then in the fall Chad is busy with getting his hunting area ready, then hunting, then the Christmas rush and he doesn’t get much time off. Then after the first of the year, just when winter was slacking off enough that I was ready to make the trip, Chad was transferred and they were busy moving. Nicole went back to work. It just hasn’t worked out for me to go there.
I don’t like it but . . they have their life, we have ours and we get together when we can. I know it’s morbid and hopefully doesn’t sound unkind but Speck is too old to board and we keep saying that when he’s gone, Vince and I will make trips to MO together . . looking for a place to retire, visiting with the kids some but not staying at their house since they’re so busy now. With Rita being blind, we’ll always take her with us wherever we go.
I may get to see the kids again in October. I’ll be counting the days til then!
Sharon says
I know it is probably only a small comfort but at least you can be thankful that you have all the technology you do to stay connected with them when you are separated by many miles. Think about when we were young. If you didn’t get to go to your grandparents’ house for almost a year then you would most likely feel like strangers. With our unlimited long distance calling and internet options you still get to see them and talk to them, even if you aren’t actually in the same room. ?
Sherrill says
Hey! October’s not far away!! 🙂 Sounds like you packed a lot into your few days.
Paula (Texas) says
It is hard! My sons live in Dallas about 5 hours from me, but it might as well be Michigan! Because they each have different work schedules and I hate driving, we pretty much only see them at holidays and then sometimes only for a few hours. Last year we went on a 9 day vacation with them to Yellowstone National Park. It was fantastic! This year we are all going to Colorado. I’m going to enjoy the heck out of it. My husband is just in his sixties, but due to several different injuries, it is becoming more difficult for him to go on long hikes, especially in the mountains! Any way, yes, we all miss our children even when they’re grown!
Moneik says
I’m sure you miss them. I often wish we lived away from my MIL so she would appreciate how much time she does get to spend with them. We’re making a trip to MO for great-grandpas funeral this week and i couldn’t help but think of you when the hotels the site pulled up were in Nevada. My dad and his wife live an hour away and try to see them at least once a month.
Pat Anderson says
We have never been closer than 8 hours from our Air Force son and our grandkids, but four months ago we moved one house away from them! It has been awesome that the kids can come over whenever they want but we give them plenty of privacy. Don’t give up hope, it’s totally possible! We had to wait a long time but the youngest is six and just lost his first tooth–couldn’t wait to show us. How much is that worth? Memories are what it’s all about!
quilting1954 says
I am with all of you who rarely see your children or brands. I miss them tremendously. At least they come and visit you. My one DIL doesn’t like “the way I speak” whatever that means, so we get no pictures, phone calls, etc. unless we go up to see them. It breaks my heart. All family members they are at Christmas +all hers get something made by her and the kids. We never do, nothing. I don’t know what we did, especially my hubs. So enjoy your families when you can. Spend the time/money to see them. Our time here is limited. Try not to regret anything. Peace.