Granddaughter moving away

C

caroln

Senior Member
Location
Kentucky
I just recently learned from my daughter that my granddaughter and her husband are moving 420 miles away to start a business with his father. I am so disappointed. Not just about not seeing my granddaughter much anymore, but not seeing my great-granddaughter grow up. She's almost 2 now and I'm more attached to her than I ever thought I would be! I haven't been able to see her a lot because they live over 3 hours away, but I saw her several times a year at holidays, etc. But now that they will be 6 hours away, I figure once a year will be the norm. And I'll be stranger to her. I was really looking forward to the fact that she would, in all probability (hopefully!), actually remember her great-grandmother. I never had that opportunity myself.

My granddaughter and husband just built a house and haven't even lived in it for a year and now it's up for sale. We talked a lot on the phone when they were building the house, and she was so excited about everything. Now, it's like, oh, well, on to the next adventure. And she never even told me about this move. I think she's afraid of what I'll say. Which brings me to the reason for this post. What do I say???

I want to support them in their new endeavor but I can't hide how disappointed I am that they are moving so far away. There's nothing I can say that will change their plans anyway and I don't want to make them feel bad. I'm not even sure if I should bring it up first. Maybe I should wait until she decides it's time to tell me.

I know kids and grandkids eventually go their own way, but it's so disappointing. Any thoughts or words of wisdom will be appreciated.
 

caroln said:
I haven't been able to see her a lot because they live over 3 hours away, but I saw her several times a year at holidays, etc. But now that they will be 6 hours away, I figure once a year will be the norm. And I'll be stranger to her. I was really looking forward to the fact that she would, in all probability (hopefully!), actually remember her great-grandmother. I never had that opportunity myself.
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Oh that's too bad, how frustrating. Maybe your daughter will plan to take regular trips to see them and you could go along?
 
caroln said:
I just recently learned from my daughter that my granddaughter and her husband are moving 420 miles away to start a business with his father. I am so disappointed. Not just about not seeing my granddaughter much anymore, but not seeing my great-granddaughter grow up. She's almost 2 now and I'm more attached to her than I ever thought I would be! I haven't been able to see her a lot because they live over 3 hours away, but I saw her several times a year at holidays, etc. But now that they will be 6 hours away, I figure once a year will be the norm. And I'll be stranger to her. I was really looking forward to the fact that she would, in all probability (hopefully!), actually remember her great-grandmother. I never had that opportunity myself.

My granddaughter and husband just built a house and haven't even lived in it for a year and now it's up for sale. We talked a lot on the phone when they were building the house, and she was so excited about everything. Now, it's like, oh, well, on to the next adventure. And she never even told me about this move. I think she's afraid of what I'll say. Which brings me to the reason for this post. What do I say???

I want to support them in their new endeavor but I can't hide how disappointed I am that they are moving so far away. There's nothing I can say that will change their plans anyway and I don't want to make them feel bad. I'm not even sure if I should bring it up first. Maybe I should wait until she decides it's time to tell me.

I know kids and grandkids eventually go their own way, but it's so disappointing. Any thoughts or words of wisdom will be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Tell them you're pleased for them that they'll be making a new life for themselves and for the little one.. tell them you;ll miss them, that you;ll miss seeing them as often, and you're afraid you'll miss out a lot on the little one growing up, and then ask them.. if they'll Zoom call with you every week...
 

Four of my great grand children live out of state and I see then no more often that every other year; however, I do have a fifth that lives with me and I enjoy him immensely. I make it a point to always give to them on Christmas and Birthdays. They are all preschoolers - hopefully I can correspond with them by phone or computer
 
Raddragn said:
Four of my great grand children live out of state and I see then no more often that every other year; however, I do have a fifth that lives with me and I enjoy him immensely. I make it a point to always give to them on Christmas and Birthdays. They are all preschoolers - hopefully I can correspond with them by phone or computer
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..another one who needs to zoom call...:)
 
The other set of grandparents for two of my grandchildren live across the country but they remain a big presence in the kids' lives. They mail cool back-to-school packets, Halloween gifts, Thanksgiving cards, lovely Christmas and birthday gifts, Valentine's and Easter goodies, etc. They phone regularly, face time/zoom, and drive here to see them annually.

My mother did a very similar thing with her grandchildren in Toronto (she lived in Los Angeles) and remained close to them until she died when they were in their 30s.

Strong connections can be maintained over the miles. It just takes effort and creativity.
 

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