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- We live 16 hours from my in-laws. My kids have close relationships with their grandparents, despite rarely seeing them. (businessinsider.com)
Grandparents 1,000 Miles Away? These Kids Prove Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder (Thanks, FaceTime!)
For many families, living far from loved ones can make maintaining close relationships a challenge. But for one Kansas family, a thousand miles separating them from grandparents in Mississippi hasn’t stopped their two young boys from forging a strong bond, all thanks to a little help from technology and some dedicated effort.
The early bird gets the Meme! Six-year-old is often the first one up, seizing the opportunity to FaceTime his grandmother (affectionately known as Meme) before she heads to work.
Not to be outdone, Pops gets his morning call a bit later, often chatting from his commute. Eight-year-old, a fan of sleeping in, might miss the breakfast chats, but both boys make up for it with after-school or evening video calls.
These aren’t just quick check-ins; the boys love giving their grandparents virtual tours of their house and yard, sharing their daily adventures, and showing off their latest creations.
Bridging the Distance with Daily Connections
When Meme and Pops aren’t available, it’s a noticeable void. Living in north-central Kansas while grandparents reside in southern Mississippi means a 16-hour drive or a 4.5-hour flight, making frequent in-person visits tricky. These regular video calls are the lifeline that keeps the relationships thriving.
Beyond the daily chats, the boys also look forward to “goodie boxes” filled with gifts collected over months, and occasional Venmo surprises from Meme for ice cream treats. The excitement of spending the money is only matched by the joy of recounting the experience to their grandparents afterward.
The parents also play a crucial role in maintaining these connections. Dad is an avid FaceTime user, while Mom prefers phone calls for her chats and sends almost daily photo updates, from school artwork to “Dude’s Day” adventures.
Making Every Visit Count
Budget and limited time off make planning in-person visits a carefully orchestrated event. While driving offers the freedom to explore and pack more, flying is quicker, highlighting the constant balancing act.
This past summer, the family found a clever solution, meeting halfway in Branson, Missouri. Sharing costs for a larger rental, they enjoyed quality family time, and the boys relished having Meme and Pops as built-in babysitters – a trip they declared “the best ever!”
The excitement is palpable as Christmas approaches. This year marks their first 16-hour drive to Mississippi in two years, and the countdown has been on for six months.
A running list of places to go, restaurants to try, and dishes to sample is already in motion, alongside crucial discussions about Santa’s navigation skills. Last year, the grandparents flew to Kansas, kicking off their visit with a few days of exploring Kansas City before heading to the family home.
While in-person time may be limited, this family beautifully demonstrates how technology and a little effort can keep hearts connected across a thousand miles, proving that even when you can’t be together, you can still be close.