going home

It's hard GF but it's not long until Christmas! As my DD's say to me, 'get a grip Mother'. Biting the side of my cheek, very hard, stops the chin wobbling. Actually, when I leave my gc's after a week or so with them, is very often a relief although leaving those in Sydney is more difficult.

Thanks Gally don't thinkI couldn't cope if they went that far away Ireland to Scotland is far enough I probably will need a break after it and it will give me time to recharge the batteries till I come back

When I recently met my newest Grandson I had to steel myself at the airport as they came to see me off , I sent them away with a flea in their ear saying I was perfectly capable of getting through checkin etc by myself thank you very much, I don't think they noticed the shaking of my shoulders as I sobbed my way through security.. I just hope they'll be able to make it here at New Year.. I miss that little guy.

Its hard but you will see them again very soon..

I feel for you, I really do and I don't think there is an easy way to cope other than to tell yourself you will see them soon.

I spent from Feb to May in the US with my little granddaughter aged two. The night before I left, she dropped off to sleep on my lap whilst I was reading to her, and I cried as if my heart would break, knowing that it would be a long time until we would meet again. I couldn't have handled having to say goodbye at the airport, and left while she was still asleep. I did, however, leave one of those recordable story-books behind on my bed for her to find when she came looking for me, so she could still hear Nana reading to her. Needless to say, am counting the days until we can visit again.

Leaving our 6 year old grandson in Adelaide earlier this year was heart breaking. He will be 7 next week and I've sent a nice parcel to him but it won't be the same not being able to see him open it. Another Christmas without half of our family is going to be so difficult.

My cousin has a 12 yr old DGD in NZ. She has made the trip there for 12 years Dec/Feb. and through skype, texts, Email and parcels has a very strong bond with her DGD. I make a point of 'sharing' my 2 GDs with her and she is very much a part of their lives. I know it's not the same as her own,but, she loves the kisses, cuddles and chats from my GDs. My eldest GD and her GD correspond so my cousin's GD is included a lot with her family here.

We moved home from France when GD1 was 2yrs old. We now have 2 GDs and I am more than happy to put up with our bloody awful weather when I can have those kisses and cuddles.

Natsnan - whenever I send a parcel for our little one, they Skype so I can see her opening it. I know it's not the same, but better than nothing.

I'm also dreading another Christmas without our loved ones - wish I could just hide away until its all over!

Have just got them of to bed there mum and dad are having a well earned night out this is what I miss to but I know I lucky I am not ad far away as some of you and Skype is great especially at Christmas when you can see them open there present