Although we are thousands of miles apart, my daughter, Tiffany made sure we would feel included in our son, Jon's holiday visit. He and Sarah had driven all the way from Washington, D.C. to Illinois. They first stopped in Michigan to visit with Sarah's family and then drove to Illinois so Jon could see his only sister, brother-in-law and only niece, KC.
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When I woke up, the first text message and accompanying photo came through.
It's a photo of Jon playing a game with his brother in law, Ed. I know how competitive they both are and they appear to be having a great time together. Something about seeing your son laughing happily that just warms a mother's heart.
Other photos streamed through making us feel like we were there. We saw them enjoying a Gino's East Chicago style pizza and wished I could sample some.
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Sarah and Jon then spent a lot of time reading books to KC and playing cards and other games with her. We know that KC had been waiting impatiently for them to arrive. Tiffany allowed KC to stay up way past her bedtime since her uncle and auntie would be leaving the following morning.
I don't know what it is about fate that landed us all so far apart from each other. However, it pleased me no end that Jon and Sarah took this precious time to drive half way across the country to see their parents, siblings, nieces and nephews.
The holidays are a family time and just knowing they were together in the Midwest made us all smile in Hawaii.
On the other hand... I'm hearing about a snowstorm brewing in the Northeast. I hope they got home OK.
.jpg)
When I woke up, the first text message and accompanying photo came through.
It's a photo of Jon playing a game with his brother in law, Ed. I know how competitive they both are and they appear to be having a great time together. Something about seeing your son laughing happily that just warms a mother's heart.
Other photos streamed through making us feel like we were there. We saw them enjoying a Gino's East Chicago style pizza and wished I could sample some.
.jpg)
Sarah and Jon then spent a lot of time reading books to KC and playing cards and other games with her. We know that KC had been waiting impatiently for them to arrive. Tiffany allowed KC to stay up way past her bedtime since her uncle and auntie would be leaving the following morning.
I don't know what it is about fate that landed us all so far apart from each other. However, it pleased me no end that Jon and Sarah took this precious time to drive half way across the country to see their parents, siblings, nieces and nephews.
The holidays are a family time and just knowing they were together in the Midwest made us all smile in Hawaii.
On the other hand... I'm hearing about a snowstorm brewing in the Northeast. I hope they got home OK.
Thank goodness for modern technology, it makes being separated from family so much easier. We've been lucky this year and had both our sons and their partners staying with us. They arrived on the 27th and leave today. It's been great seeing our sons together and having valuable family time, though it will be hard when the house is empty again.
ReplyDeleteThat really is a happy photo of the laughing Jon.
ReplyDeleteYeah I hear the snowstorm is brutal right now. Hopefully everyone managed to get of it's way.
ReplyDeleteI understand how you feel about the separation from family. It does make things a lot easier with the new technology, doesn't it? I "visit" my sister every week through the wonders of video chat. :-)
ReplyDeleteyou have such a close family, its heart warming,
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that Tiffany and Jon got to spend this holiday time together. I know you would have loved being there with them, but since you couldn't I know you were glad for them and found joy in the pictures they sent.
ReplyDeletemothers also worry lots-be happy you don't live in the snow-I AM!
ReplyDeleteWe escaped the snow by the hairs on our chinny-chin-chin. Meanwhile my Chicago and Wisconsin cousins are cross-country skiing. Dianne
ReplyDeleteI love the ways we can communicate now, almost like being there.
ReplyDeleteNothing makes a mother happier than knowing that her kids are making the effort to be together and are having fun doing it.
It's nice to be able to drive cross country to visit with family and friends. However, I would find the hours spent in a cramped car sheer torture. David and I drove from SF to Monterey and back years ago, and I'll always remember how numb my rear end felt. Lol. Never again. I prefer to fly.
ReplyDeleteI can see why some photos bring joy to a mother's heart, Kay. Wishing you and yours the best in the coming year.
ReplyDeleteK
It's wonderful that Tiffany and Jon want to spend time together. I know too many families where the siblings are indifferent (or even hostile) towards each other.
ReplyDeleteWhen Son #1 announced he was flying here for Christmas a week early but leaving on the 26th for work commitments, Son #2 rearranged his schedule to be here (and Son #3 temporarily moved in here from his house across town.)
I don't think it's fate that leads to a spread-out family so much as it is living in Hawaii. Once one leaves Hawaii, then the seeds of dispersal are planted. Or, if one lives in Hawaii, then EVRERYONE is far away. They say we are the most geographically remote place on Earth. I have family in Washington, New York, New Jersey, France and Greece--and Hawaii.
ReplyDeleteI know you're right. Once we made that decision to raise our family in Illinois, the dye was cast. Sigh... Since Jon and Sarah are both studying different types of International work, it will send them even farther away. Sigh... sigh... sigh...
DeleteThen again, it will force us to travel to see them.
Also, wanted to come by and say THANK YOU for being one of my top commenters during 2012. I appreciate hearing from you as well as reading your posts. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteYep, Jon et al are all wearing long sleeves! The young are so brave to drive in snowy areas. I like to fly, but being on a grad student budget can minimize the options. Sounds like he and Sarah had a progressive travel adventure. If our weather is bad, I still have my son text that they're back safely to their part of the world. DrumMajor
ReplyDeleteJust got a text back from Jon. Thank goodness they made it back safely. He said they encountered snow on the way but Baltimore is clear.
DeleteJust a lovely way to share the day with you all. And earlier you posted photos of your beautiful Hawaii family together ...what ever the day they were together. Thank you for sharing these moments.
ReplyDeleteDear Kay,
ReplyDeleteYour love for your family is just shining in this post and just like you, to start worrying about the weather. Mothers, we are all alike, aren't we? Happy new year!
Love,
KAY
Kinda like the free Hawaii vacation I posted today, only Much better!
ReplyDeletethanks for share..
ReplyDelete