Well, I just found out that my last grandparent died. *sigh* It's a blessing in many ways. Since my grandmother died about 5 years ago, he really hasn't wanted to be here. He was 92, very ill and in a nursing home so it was expected and very good in some ways.
If you'll indulge me for a moment, I really need to get some things out but would never say these things out loud. I don't really feel much. It's sad to admit but we just weren't that close. I'm sad for my father who lost both his parents and that hits me hard, but personally, nothing.
My grandparents moved to Florida many years ago, I think I was a baby at the time. They left everyone here, all of their family. My father, like many men, left the "family" relationships to my mother to nurture. And she did for many years. But distance and time and I'm assuming the whole mother/daughter-in-law thing caused things to slide a bit. We saw them once a year when we went to Florida and they would come here for weddings, christenings, etc. As they got older and more set in their ways (i.e. grouchy) it became less and less desirable to go there on vacations. My dad would visit often, but usually by himself (they had a very nice relationship).
So, I'm feeling confused but mostly guilty. I could have, and should have, made more of an effort. We've been to WDW several times in the last few years but I never went to visit them (about 2 hrs. away). Yes, they could have made more of an effort when we were younger, I know, but they were old, sad people and we should have done more. Something to think about, huh? It's got me thinking about all the relationships I've let slide because of time/family/unsaid misunderstandings, etc.
Thanks for listening.
If you'll indulge me for a moment, I really need to get some things out but would never say these things out loud. I don't really feel much. It's sad to admit but we just weren't that close. I'm sad for my father who lost both his parents and that hits me hard, but personally, nothing.
My grandparents moved to Florida many years ago, I think I was a baby at the time. They left everyone here, all of their family. My father, like many men, left the "family" relationships to my mother to nurture. And she did for many years. But distance and time and I'm assuming the whole mother/daughter-in-law thing caused things to slide a bit. We saw them once a year when we went to Florida and they would come here for weddings, christenings, etc. As they got older and more set in their ways (i.e. grouchy) it became less and less desirable to go there on vacations. My dad would visit often, but usually by himself (they had a very nice relationship).
So, I'm feeling confused but mostly guilty. I could have, and should have, made more of an effort. We've been to WDW several times in the last few years but I never went to visit them (about 2 hrs. away). Yes, they could have made more of an effort when we were younger, I know, but they were old, sad people and we should have done more. Something to think about, huh? It's got me thinking about all the relationships I've let slide because of time/family/unsaid misunderstandings, etc.
Thanks for listening.