On living far away… [Filler]

Another filler. From our visit to the zoo in Stoneham last week.

This highlights an observation that comes from living far away from grandchildren, which was true for our children as we have lived a full-day's drive from our parents. What this leads to is visits of several days and finding places to visit, and things to experience, locally. What living far away prohibits is "dropping in for Sunday dinner" and then going home. I think this led to our parents forming stronger bonds with our children (and us as their adult children) over time.

Now that our daughters and grandchildren live a long travel day by air or a 2-day drive away, we only see them for extended visits every couple months or so. What this means is that we get a sort of "strobe light effect" on the grandchildren's development. And running is a good example, hence this post. The last time we had a chance to watch her "run," our granddaughter still ran like a big toddler. Now 3½, she runs with a form and balance that is more like an adult than a toddler.

Living far away makes us miss them between visits, but the visits sure are sweet. :)

Looking back
  1 year ago: “Ten turtles!”
 2 years ago: “Day 8: Grinding down the mortar”
 3 years ago: “Saying good-bye”
 4 years ago: “Spiraling spheres”
 5 years ago: “After a dandelion head disperses”
 6 years ago: “Lauren”
 7 years ago: “Good Friday post: Cornus florida (Dogwood)”
 8 years ago: “Cambridge Common”
 9 years ago: “On a clear day”
10 years ago: “Clothesline Project”

[ PXL_20210408_174508667.PORTRAIT_S81x72 :: cell phone ]

[Mags]

Sweet capture, bittersweet story, and oh so very true. My grandparents held everyone together, at least for holidays and family reunions. Now that they're gone, we're all scattered to the four winds.

[Esther Rosenberg]

happy shot, love her shadow

[Danette Thompson]

Whether near or far, it’s great you take time to be with them.

[Jane Pittenger]

What a sweet shot

[GaryW]

Great photo and such a story!! I 100% concur with your comments. We are only a short drive (about 3 hours) from our grandchildren but still see them infrequently due to "their" busy schedules. When they do come it is more like survival than a visit. We are considering a move closer...but not too close.