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Long-distance grandparenting just makes the heart grow fonder. It is not a new phenomenon, either. We had to drive four hours to see her. My anticipation always prompted me to question every few minutes, "Are we there yet?" It doesn't matter how far grandchildren have to go to be with grandparents; they are in each other's hearts. My granny lived on a mountain side in Virginia, and I lived in an apartment in Washington, DC. My sisters and I would sing, "Over the river and through the woods, to grandmother's house we go!" I learned so much from those visits: how to feed chickens and a hog; how to draw water from a spring; where the spring came from; and other things like having to go to the bathroom outdoors in an outhouse! I will always cherish those memories. She was a great cook and to this day I love chicken and dumplings, but they don't quite taste the same when the flour isn't all over my face and hands.

In today's world, I am also separated from my grandchildren by only 4 hours. Unfortunately, my husband and I have a problem driving that far and can only make the trip several times a year. We are blessed because our kids send us Cd's, photos, certificates, etc...anything and everything about the grandkids. They certainly know who we are and hug us and love on us whenever we see each other. If one has the right relationship with the grandkids, it doesn't matter how close or how far away one lives.

On our part, we send money, bonds, and gifts for special occasions and just for nothing! If we see something for our granddaughter, then we look for something for the baby...and vice versa. We never send one gift to one child. Both get in on the excitement of a package from Grandpa Frank and Nanny Ann.

I remember when my own daughter was young, and she would be so excited to go visit "Ge," the name she gave to my mother. From the minute we arrived until we left, she forgot I existed. Usually this was a good thing. It felt like I really was on vacation. Mother took her shopping, out for lunch, to the movies, and to the pool. Mother would gather all the grandkids together and treat them to a party usually at the pool. These are memories that my daughter will always cherish.

I know that distance is not conducive for bonding with grandparents, but if the experiences are filled with love and fun, the bond is a lot stronger than people believe. I may not have had my mother around for baby sitting, but she helped out a lot with clothes and toys that I couldn't afford. My daughter was overjoyed at receiving these gifts from her "Ge."

In conclusion, long-distance grand-parenting can be a blessing. Make the best of every situation and don't let the distance become an issue. Send pictures, write letters, draw pictures, use the phone, send an airline ticket, etc. Grandparents can spoil the grandchildren as much as they want; it's up to the parents to make sure the children understand who the grandparents are, where they live, and how much they love them. You can count down the days until their next visit with grandma and grandpa. You don't want to lose those few years when generations meet and communicate. Be blessed!

Learn more about this author, Ann Palmieri.
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