While dealing with my mom's estate, I happened upon a letter from my great grandfather to my grandmother. Apparently, she was leaving all she knew and loved behind in order to marry my grandfather, so she was his soon to be daughter-in-law. Great grandfather knew what that entailed as he had done the same many years earlier.

He talked about how in his day, obtaining images of loved ones was costly and difficult. It was beyond his ability at the time. In his letter he expressed how much he regretted the fact that he would never again see the faces of his dear ones. He did not have a single daguerreotype to remind him of what they looked like.

He spoke about the marvelous advancement in photography and encouraged her to do whatever she could do to obtain photographs of her family and friends to take with her. Happily, she took his advice. We all enjoy the portraits she'd arranged to have taken during that time of her life. I'm not sure, but I don't think she ever went back home, though I think her sister may have visited her once.

My own parents had pictures, but only called long distance a few times a year. I remember those awkward Christmas conversations, talking with grandparents I barely knew. Was it really so expensive that it had to be reserved for special occasions? Even recently, whenever I'd call FIL, he'd ask "How much is this costing you? I'll call you back. I can call you for a penney a minute".

Having a daughter in Europe really drives it home to me how blessed I am to live in this period of time! It was so hard letting her go, but not nearly as hard as it was for my ancesters. She's far away, but we are very close. She calls me from her computer regularly. If I want to see the latest pics of her I can check her facebook page. She's been home several times since she's moved there.

We had a long conversation on the phone yesterday. She had gone wedding dress shopping earlier. I would have liked to be there. So, while we talked we looked up more dresses. It was so great because even though we are far apart, I knew which ones she would like before she even told me. I am so happy to be able to experience this level of togetherness from such a long distance.

Finding the dress will be the easy part. Figuring out which continent to get married on... not so easy!