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Major changes have come for this Sandwich Generation grandmother. For the past umpteen years I’ve been an up-close grandma to half my grandkids and a long distance grandma to the other half. Now I’m long-distance to all and frequent flyer to many, not to mention plenty of drive time too.
My senior mom and I are back home in California, near another of our beloveds, and it is definitely a change and a challenge but fun nevertheless. I just returned from a delightful visit to one set of grandchildren where we spent a good portion of our time playing chess and checkers along with tons of hugs and cuddles!
And since all my grandkids are getting older, and have extremely busy schedules of their own, this is working out well. I do miss the daily interaction but, of course, I plan to stay close to them all no matter how near or far and I’ll continue to share fun tips, ideas, and resources with fellow grandparents near and far. Along with caregiving ideas and resources for our beloved seniors here as well as at SandwichINK Real Estate Info where you’ll discover more ideas and interesting examples of multigenerational and aging in place options and issues.
Here are a couple of travel tips I picked up on this last trip, just for you. If you are flying to visit loved ones – young, old, or both – for the holidays and haven’t yet bought your tickets, I just spotted an article at Forbes – Holiday Airfare Tips For Last Minute Shoppers.
I would recommend packing a new (or old favorite) game that they do NOT have at their house. Something new, or not used in a while, is always more interesting and you could end up having a series of competitions for the whole visit – quite enjoyable I must say. Just be sure to take a game(s) you also like. 🙂
If you are able to visit often, you might want to consider asking if it’s ok to leave a box of goodies just for your visits. In the past, I’ve kept a stash of canned nuts for late-night hunger attacks, 3 favorite games they only play with me, a couple of books we treasure, and a change of clothes just in case I make it but my suitcase doesn’t. That can be a big stress relief!
As long distance grandparents, we may not get as many memories over the year, but if we make the most of the moments we are there, our memories can be just as powerful and impactful – for them AND for us.
My three most powerful memories from my last trips were centered on helping others in need including preparing Samaritan’s Purse Christmas shoeboxes – a long standing tradition we love, studying Bible verses together, and fun games whether we won OR lost. Moments I will treasure forever!
And speaking of holidays – HAVE A BLESSED AND BEAUTIFUL THANKSGIVING WHEREVER YOU MAY BE!
P.S. A fun Thanksgiving AND Christmas coloring page for grandkids (or beloved seniors) (and one already in color) to turn into place cards or holiday home decor. And if you click directly on each snowman, they’ll lead to more fun Christmas ideas.
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YAY – my comments work again 🙂