The last time I saw my mother was twenty years ago. I was living in a crummy house in North Carolina, just barely making ends meet. My parents stopped by for a short visit while on their way to Arizona. It was wonderful. They got to spend time with the girls and see the delightful people they were then and still are today. It makes me sad to know that my children really never knew their grandparents and vice-versa. That’s why I’ve made a real effort to be part of my children’s and grandchildren’s lives, not as a helicopter parent, but as another support person. You can never have too many people who love you.
I don’t mean that you can’t be a good grandparent if you live in another state or country, I just mean it takes more effort and is harder to maintain that close connection. Based on my experience with my parents living in Arizona, I refuse to leave NC as that’s where my children have put down their roots. I love every single minute I spend with my girls and their children. When my youngest daughter marries her Scottish boyfriend, odds are they’ll end up living in Scotland. Those children will be surrounded by their Scottish relatives and it will be a real challenge to have a meaningful relationship, but I know it can be done. Perhaps I’ll be the summer Nana?
Anyway, what I wanted to say was, I still miss my mother. Not a day goes by that I don’t wish I’d had more time with her, but you have to cherish the moments you do have and save those memories for a rainy day.
Happy Mother’s Day!
One Story at a Time 