These days, as I've observed Tehya prepare for her first trip back to her home in Indonesia, I've had some time to wonder about the ebb and flow of this life we've shared.
Thinking back to that very teary day when we said goodbye to her as a toddler, I never could have imagined a day like today. Grown up Tehya, stepping up to the check-in counter at the airport and taking care of all the details pertaining to travel overseas. On her own.
Not like seventeen years ago, when I packed up tiny gifts for her mom to give to her in future days ... a favorite cup, a story book, band-aids, smarties, a stuffed toy, bubbles, a purse with tiny treasures inside, thoughtfully wrapped to evoke memories of her Grammy and Papa. There was no good facetime way of communicating, but today it's all just like the tide that receded and returned.
While we get glimpses of that sweet baby face and attitude that will tackle any problem, it has been a time to move on and go deeper. Our rooms have been filled with joy, music and spontaneus dance, as she has helped us settle into our smart home. We've observed her pen and paper journaling, aritistically putting into words or art, the things that inspire her. We've shared unexpected moments, such as going through her box of treasures, while unpacking my long ago unfounded fear of not being able to have a relationship with grandchildren so far away. We've happily survived driving lessons, last minute made plans, snow shoeing, bike rides, baking fancy cakes, laughing through movies, meeting new friends and finding her gone to watch the sun rise.
These have been days of catching up and being blessed in ways that only came about because her home was once far away.
5 comments:
WHat a delightful post! Thanks for capturing in word and photo the nuances of your relationship. Grandparenting from a distance is not easy, but can be richly rewarding.
Ruthie, you are one who knows well about long distance grandparenting and it's always encouraging to hear from you. I still can't believe our "chance" meeting in Lancaster!
Sending love.
This is so lovely, Anneliese. It reminds me of how I felt about raising my children so far away from their grandparents. Our eldest two used my parents' home as a home base while they were at Trinity Western for a couple of years before we came back to Canada. That was a great time for all of them to get to know each other.
Ah, Lorrie, it's so nice to know that there are those who can relate! Thank you!
God is good to keep your relationship strong worlds apart. They have had the best of both worlds with so many life lessons to learn that they wouldn't have living the 'regular' life in B.C. You've always been there for all your grandchildren...
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