We got sudden news in March from our son, Keola that they would be moving in July to Sri Lanka for a few years due to my daughter-in-law's job. Yes, it's true he'd mentioned before that something like this could happen, but I didn't really think it would. Not really.
I was upset because we hadn't seen them in person in two years due to COVID. We used to go to Maryland for our grandsons' birthdays every year. Sigh...
We couldn't go to see them in April because we had so many doctors' appointments lined up. We couldn't see them in May because we'd be preparing and leaving for our European Cruise. We couldn't afford to get sick.
We couldn't go in June because of our long awaited visit from our daughter and her family.
Sigh...
They had a farewell driving trip all the way to the Midwest in April to visit with my daughter-in-law's family in Michigan and then to Chicago to visit with Tiffany, Ed and our granddaughter, KC.
They posted many, many photos so we could journey with them vicariously. One place they stopped at was the 9/11 Memorial to Flight #93 in Pennsylvania.
"A common field one day. A field of honor forever."
I could feel the sadness of the memorial as I saw the photos of my grandsons walking to the overlook where the plane went down. They walked along the walls where the names of the people who perished on that terrible flight were etched.
I was surprised to see these photos from Cleveland.
That giant stamp said FREE on the other side.
They also visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Looks like the boys loved making music on the drums.
We're very sad that we're not able to see them in person for now... but would you believe Keola has already sent Art a travel book on Sri Lanka shoooould we wish to visit?
Oh Kay so sorry they will be so far away.
ReplyDeleteYes, I understand how you feel. .My son, Keith, and his wife, Esther,are moving to Germany this summer for three years...for his job. They are coming here Wednesday though to see me before they leave. .
ReplyDeleteI realize wanderlust in your family's genetic make-up, so I am putting money on a trip to Sri Lanka. I can also completely understand how the news of that move must have felt to parents and grandparents. The monks from the center where I meditate in FL are from Sri Lanka, so I have learned some things about the country (and the food). I would like to go there someday myself.
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad they couldn't do a stopover in Hawaii to visit you on their way to Sri Lanka. Will you son continue with his job remotely?
ReplyDeleteThis is Kay. Yes, Keola will be working remotely which is very convenient.
DeleteI'm confident that you and Art will make things work.
ReplyDeleteOoh that is so far away but like Olga, I some how think you and Art will find a way to put that trip on your agenda.
ReplyDeleteit's so sad that you won't see them but what an adventure and a learning triip for the kids! you really must go and visit them there!
ReplyDeleteYou raise them well and they are conquering the world, I can imagine how you feel. Our hearts are with you and Art.
ReplyDeleteAackkkk! I didn't know that could happen! There's still June, can you squeeze in a short visit? Seems the younger generation sees the whole world as their adventure zone instead of just the U.S. Since my brother worked for the State Dept and lived in many places, my niece and nephew inherited the gene. They've lived in Turkey, U.A.E., Germany, Zambia, Kenya and other spots. Your grandsons will have some amazing discoveries. My niece and nephew have many funny stories growing up in other countries: lizards, monkeys, fruit bats, and their pet dog was from a trash can! Yep, better check that travel brochure about Sri Lanka. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteWell time to add another exotic trip to your travel schedule-how fun!
ReplyDeletefrom anonymous Lin
ReplyDeleteThat 9/11 memorial is less than 90 minutes from me, I need to make an effort to see that for myself. Well Kay, it sounded like your son & family had a wonderful trip and now they're on their way to an amazing adventure--you guys have always been good at staying in touch, you'll see them in person in no time I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteSorry you didn't get a good in-person visit, but I'll wager that you will be making a trip to Sri Lanka in the near future. :-)
ReplyDeleteSri Lanka is definitely so far away. I couldn't do it
ReplyDeleteLovely to see the photographs.
ReplyDeleteI can see a trip to Sri Lanka in the not too distant future :)
All the best Jan
That's a long, long way away.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry the kids couldn't make it to Hawaii to see all of you. If I had family in Hawaii, I would probably be on the next plane!
ReplyDeleteAnd Cleveland and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is just up the interstate from me. Forty five minutes. Both daughters live there. Sri Lanka. You may go.
ReplyDeletePeople are going to have many stories of the struggles they had to visit relatives.
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit that 9/11 memorial. I've been to the one in NYC. I hope you can see them while they're over there; it could certainly happen! My older daughter lived in Senegal for many summers then a full year. I went to see her twice and what an experience! Love the photos of them having fun!
ReplyDeleteYou should go to see them! Isn't it closer to Hawaii than Washington DC?
ReplyDeleteI can believe that you got a travel guide from your son. I also can believe that you'll be using it soon!
ReplyDeleteAaawww, what a "bitter-sweet" blog post, Kay! I totally "FEEL" you! Thank you for sharing this with us. The photos are absolutely beautiful. Wishing you all the best, dear friend!
ReplyDeleteThere are a LOT worse place to visit than Sri Lanka. I am jealous. Give them time to settle a few months, find out what goodies they miss and visit...an of course, post the trip.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that they have this new exciting opportunity; but I know it's hard to see them go so far away. Is there a trip in your future?
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