Yesterday was Mr. FixIt’s birthday! Until the middle of June, he is two years older than me…then I’ll be 70 and he 71. I remember my mom telling me she never believed she would live past 35. I don’t know why, other than she had a hard life. I’ve never been one of those people who can envision herself in her declining years. I guess that’s one of the hazards of living “in the moment.”
Mr. FixIt, Jr. and his family came over last night with a cake to share to celebrate. There were seven of us and we made short shrift of that tasty dessert. I had fixed his favorite meal earlier…seared jumbo sea scallops, steak, and pasta primavera and I’m telling you, it was as good as any meal you would get at a restaurant…and a lot cheaper, to boot. I didn’t go out and spend money for his birthday because we have some major outlays coming up this year. I told him I would buy him something when we go to the beach in April and he was thrilled with that.
Mrs. FixIt, Jr. and I sat and talked in the living room while everyone else went downstairs to play pool. We were talking about the rough patch we went through when our kids grew up and were heading out on their own. I did not handle my first heading off to college very well. I wasn’t ready. It was a little easier when the second left for school, but her dad and I parted company when she was 10 years old, so our world already looked different by that time.
I love when the kids come over. It adds joy and sparkle to our daily life. If I could have afforded it, I might have stayed in Colorado. Then, maybe it would be the Colorado kids coming over to visit and help with little odd jobs I might need. I’ve never known what it’s like to have them just drop in or come over for meals regularly. I hear about them visiting the other in-laws and I’m tickled to death for them that they get those visits. It’s too bad we don’t have a house in both states. The ideal would be to lasso a rope around the stated and draw them closer together. I do envy folks that have close family nearby that visit.
I’ve found FaceTime to be a passing substitute for in person visits and you can do that anytime, it’s free, and you get to see each other’s faces. I want to try to get something that my brother can use to have video visits. If I could see the Colorado peeps more often, maybe that year in between visits won’t see so far away.
What about you all? Do you have family nearby that you get to visit? Our daughter-in-law was telling me last night that she has a friend whose kids live right here in town yet they never see each other. I’d think that would be heartbreaking. For those of you whose family lives far away, what do you do to help make the time apart go faster? What have you found to be the best way to see your kids?
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“Point your kids in the right direction— when they’re old they won’t be lost.”
Proverbs 22:6 MSG
Mine live in opposite ends of the country. We FaceTime one day a week and now that we are both retired the traveling is easier and more frequent. Drive almost every other month to the one, fly every couple months to the other. We stay anywhere from 5-10 days with them. Luckily the youngest lives 1/2 hr away, no grands yet.
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Our only child, my daughter and family live in California and we are in Alabama. They lead busy lives with work, school and sports. I talk to my daughter several times a week. Conversations with the grands are hard to fit in because they are both so busy. I texted them today to say it’s time for a live talk. I miss them dearly. Once I retire we will be able to go more than once or twice a year. It’s just so costly whether flying or driving these days.
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Jeff and I never had children and some days it still crumbles my heart. Luckily we have been blessed with 9 nephews and another young man Jeff took under his wing. But with all of them grown, some we hear from now and then, others not at all. It fills our hearts with joy to know they have all grown to be amazing men. And the pictures of them with their wives and children are cherished; some with tears.
We have been fortunate to spend time with my brother-in-law and his family on our way to and from our boat the last few years. But we were so busy with the boat…
With all that said, ?
We are planning a Spring trip to West Virginia. Along the way there and back we will see some of our dearest friends. These people are chosen members of our family.
Then I’m planning a trip to Texas in June. I haven’t been back since my mom passed in 2019. So here’s what I’m getting at. I started planning my trip before Christmas. I found out the date for my high school class yearly mini reunion. Then I started contacting family and friends in 7 Texas towns and cities. It was wonderful to hear their excitement and to get to talk or text with so many people I love and have longed to see. My name is on their calendars and we’ve spoken to each other several times.
How do I spend time with family?
Plan. Plan. And enjoy.
Oh, Julie! I do hope we will get to see you all when you’re in town. We are planning a trip to Colorado sometime in late summer so if we don’t catch you here, we might catch you there! ?