I am a lucky girl this weekend. I will be spending the next two days with the loveliest young lady I know — my three-month-old granddaughter.
I’m not one of these fortunate people who live close to their grandchildren. While they aren’t huge distances away, they aren’t close either. Visits, therefore, are generally planned and extended, which is both good and bad. Sure, I’d love to experience the pop-ins that many folks in my community enjoy — surprise arrivals from grandkids enroute to various others places in town, or simply coming in to touch base because they can. But, there is compensation in knowing that when I do get the visit, it’s usually for a sleepover.
Growing up, I loved that my grandparents lived close by. They were an integral part of my life and decades later I still miss them. Looking back, I can’t help thinking how difficult it would have been to stay in touch on a regular basis had the physical distance between my grandparents and me been greater.
I believe strongly that the bond between the bread layers of the generational sandwich should be nurtured. I have been blessed with children who make every effort on their part, and who accept any effort on mine, to keep the connection strong. Technology, from social media sites to digital photography also helps to make this a relatively easy thing.
Here are some ways to help you stay connected with your far-away grandbabies:
BloggingBistro Reasons for Grandparents to Get on Facebook
grandparents.com Connect With Far-Off Grandkids
The Wall Street Journal Grandparents and Grandkids Connecting