Some days it just is so hard to live far away from big kids. I know lots of you know what I mean.
When we were going to bring Nehemiah home forever we needed to tell our three biggest and their spouses. But the problem was that one was deployed and on the opposite side of the world. One was on her honeymoon out of the country and the other was in a different country with her hubby on a sweet getaway {the upside was that we got to keep our favorite grandson while they were gone}.
I wrote a Facebook message to all three. {What ever in the world did we do prior to Facebook, right?}
Thankfully I did get to talk Sarah {the only one of the big kids who was in the country}. Sarah is so precious – I just love that daughter-in-love of mine.
After telling Sarah about Nehemiah, she responded, “Awwww, well tell the little guy we are so glad he’s going to be one of us and welcome to the family.”
Her precious response only serve to remind me why our son fell in love with her and it made my eyes well with tears and my heart overflow with joy.
I am so grateful for our precious daughter-in-love Sarah. So thankful to be able to know that the prayers we pray for our kids spouses are answered so beautifully. And she’s such a wonderful mommy to our favorite granddaughter. She also has the greatest attitude {while hubby is away serving our country}.
And so today I am thinking that there ought to be some sort of law that kids can’t live too far away {like not more than an 8 hour drive} and then there needs to be another mandatory law that they have to come home at least six times a year or be subjected to heavy fines.
Cause some days we just miss them all so very, very, very, very, very, very much.
I am so with you on this, Linny. I have two that live 13 hours from home. It's downright painful sometimes. Of course, I did the same thing to my parents….
YES. That totally needs to be a law.
I so agree. We are in the process of planning a trip to Michigan to see our oldest son. That adds up to about a 16 hour drive. 🙁
I definitely vote yes to the "laws" you proposed in this post!!!
I am very much missing my big kids as well.
Awwww! I live 45 minutes away from my mother and we had quite a rough relationship for many years…Now she's my biggest helper with our growing brood! She truly adores all her grandchildren and it has been refreshing to see her with them!
I get you. I am presently waiting for the call from our oldest daughter when she goes into labor with our first grandchild, then we will have a 12 hour drive to get there. All I can say is, "Praise God it is not longer!"
My mom would probably agree – since I've lived an entire continent away from my family for almost 20 years…..
Barb
I know what you mean. It's hard living away from all my family. Maybe someday…
I'm with you on that one, friend!
AMEN! AMEN! and AMEN!!
Totally agree with this law! Audy now resides and goes to college in CA whilst we reside in FL. NOT fun! Thankfully, she got to visit right before doing her 6 week mission to China. (Adahlyn's foster home). We will see her at Christmas when we drive through. Hey, that reminds me… will you be around at Christmastime? We drive right through your town. 🙂 In fact, that is the first place we stop at In-N-Out burger… 😉
You have the cutest grandkids… seriously!
Love you,
Alycia
Such sweet words, Linny. I love hearing you talk about your in-loves and hope that one day, I have a mother in love to share life with.
I don't have siblings or children (and I live in the same town), but I whole heartfelt agree. I am really close to my oldest cousin and her family is in another state. And potentially overseas in the future. I miss getting to see them face to face.
But it sure warns my heart to hear you talk about your in-loves. I hope for that. And your grandbabies can't be any cuter!!
I made a law in my family when the kids were very little that they could NOT move out of state! Period end of discussion. Then now that I a high school and a middle school children I have expanded that to to when they are married or have children that CHRISTMAS MORNING WILL BE AT MY HOUSE!! Absolutely no if ans or buts about it. They all agreed I was thinking about having them swear in blood!!!!!!LOL and I told them this should be brought up on a first date so it is out in the open and she knows if she wants to be with one of my sons. The kids laugh about it,but they do know I am dead serious. When I got married we had a huge divorced family with that of re marriage. on both side, And it was just me and my m om and dad and brother and his kids.And we didn't want to short change them on anything so we go everywhere. 4-5 places each holiday. It works for us and those will be the best memories we have. But I am not budging on Christmas morning lol On a side not my oldest want to go to college at Depaul (Illinois) the oldest boy want to go to Ohio State, One wants to be a Marine………So plan a seems shoot!!!!!!!! LOL
Wow, Linny, I so agree. We see our kids once or twice a year and they are all within 6 hours. It is very difficult and makes us sad, but we are grateful they have good, faith filled happy lives. It is what drives me to get well so we can travel to see them! There SHOULD be a law!!! By the way, adorable photos of grandkids and great name for newest member…
wow…some laws. I know, I don't see my son and his family enough and they live 1/2 hr drive from here. or from there, whichever way you want to put it. We will never stop loving our children no matter how old they are or where they live. Hugs!
Oh Linny I agree! My babies and kids all live on the other side of the country from us, they are all in California and we are in Tennessee. My hubby has promised to move us somewhere within a day's drive when he retires from this job…only 10 more years to go out here on the farm. But I am so thankful that he sends me home to be with my babies every two months.
We both will be going home in October for 5 nights with our kiddos! I am counting down the sleeps.
Blessings,
Suzanne
Your grandbabies are incredibly beautiful! And, I've adopted this phrasology of yours, "in-loves" because that's what my family is to me. I've lived more of my life with them than without them.
Thanks for sharing.
Well, with one son living in Australia and my only daughter in Canada, I agree with you wholeheartedly!
We live in Oregon. My parents live in Georgia. Delta likes us a lot.
I so agree!! I am in Colorado, and have four children. One in Maryland, one in eastern Iowa, one in Virginia, and the youngest (thankfully!) still at home. Though she is looking at Colleges, and her first choice is in Minnesota. Sigh…
I agree and I'm one of the kids that lives far away!! I know you moms all wish your kids lived closer, and let me tell you guys- most of your kids probably feel the same way! I got married and settled down in my husband's home town and my parents just keep moving farther away. It's so sad. I know it breaks my mom's heart as much as it does mine when holidays come around and sometimes we don't get to go visit because the drive is so far and money is tight. 🙁
I totally agree. It should be that way with brothers too because my big brother lives a 5 hour plane ride from me and I can't really afford to go and see him. I certainly did not appreciate when he and his family only lived a 10 hour drive from me. Much better than me in Michigan and him in Seattle! At least I do get to see my younger brother. He only lives 2 hours away from me.
heather
I agree and ours aren't flying the coop just yet! The thought just tears me up!
I want them to soar and I know they will but the selfish part of me wants to keep them close!! Sheri
I love your law, but I think I'd amend it to read "not more than 3 hours away." haha! Trying to enjoy my son while I have him; he may be on the other side of the globe when he grows up! (similar to your Emma.)
I agree! I am so thankful that my Daughter lives close so that I can jump on the bus and be at her house in 20 minutes! Also I think The Lord is working it out where the bus will make 3 rounds trips! Right now my Daughter has to take me home. Janet