When Your Grandchildren Are Far Away

I have always known that I was blessed to have all my grandchildren living close to me. I know grandmothers whose grandchildren are spread out all across the United States and a few who have grands in other countries. I’ve talked to them enough to know that it easy being so far away from those you love. They connect with them via FaceTime and make the best of it but it isn’t easy. Now I have an even deeper appreciation for these grandparents because for over three months I didn’t see mine but a few times.

While my husband was fighting COVID I stayed with him in the hospital. I came home a handful of times and once or twice near the end of his recovery period I did get to run home for a short visit. The rest of the time the only time I saw my grandchildren was on FaceTime.

We missed Christmas, New Years and celebrating some birthdays together. There wasn’t anything I could do about it but it taught me a few things about my grandchildren.

5 Things I Learned

There is nothing that substitutes for the human touch. I absolutely adore the feeling of my grands arms around my neck, holding their hand and their sweet kisses. Not being able to touch them for months was torture!
Not a day went by that I didn’t think of them, pray for them and most days I made sure I talked to them. My oldest granddaughter is 15 so I could text with her. I might have been out of their sight, but I didn’t want to be forgotten and I sure didn’t forget them.
The sound of their laughter (even when it’s miles away) is music to a nana’s ears. When I had a bad day (and there were lots of them) just hearing their laughter could lift my spirits.
The youngest grandchild is saying a few words (yes, she can say Nana!) and at night my daughter would FaceTime me during the her daughter’s bath time. She loves her bath and I loved being a part of her joy as she splashed and played in the water.
My grandmother used to say “You never miss water until the well runs dry.” I was homesick for many things while we were gone but missing my grandchildren was like a knife in my heart. I am even more thankful now than I was that I live close to them.

There may be more times in the future when for one reason or another I can’t be with them but I hope not. They are my sunshine and not being near them takes my sunshine away!