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I asked Holly if she was feeling bad; and she replied, "Yes, she feels pretty much like crap right now." It always hurts me to learn my grandchildren are sick. I went through major and minor illnesses with my girls, coping as I went. It hurt; but, as their mother, I had to assume responsibility and care for them.
But my grandchildren are different. Their care is in their parents' hands; I guess it's that feeling of not being able to "do" anything to help them feel better. I know they are being cared for, but it makes my heart ache when one of them is ill.
I told Holly I would wait til she was feeling better to talk with her. I just can't take that little voice when she is ill, telling me how much she loves and misses me. She stretches her words into about ten syllables when she is feeling bad. I get something like this: Ne-e-a-n-a! I w-ua-unt y-o-u-a. I-um s-eu-k! I'm 750 miles away, but how does one explain that to a five-year-old?
As a case in point, Holly works for an international company that has offices all over the world--and I really do mean ALL OVER THE WORLD! They have branches in China, Japan, throughout South America, throughout Europe, throughout the U.S. and even in Russia and the Middle East.
It is company policy to move their employees about every three years. Several of Holly's colleagues recently have been transferred--one went to China, another to Japan, while still another was scheduled to go to England, but did not for whatever reason.
Holly and Bevan know their time is probably about a year away until they may have to face an overseas transfer. She doesn't have to take it; but to refuse would hurt her advancement chances in the company.
We all dread it; but the other day Little Buddy was talking to me on the phone. She was telling me that Mom had re-arranged Sissy's room.
"Well, thank you for telling me that," I said. "Now, I won't be surprised when I come next to visit you."
"We might be in our new house by then," she replied.
"New HOUSE? Are you getting a new house?"(I'm thinking she may be giving away a secret here.)
"Our new house when Mommy gets her transfer. It will maybe be in England. I hope that's close to Oklahoma."
If that won't melt a Neena's heart, nothing will.
Laurie
Jobs that require or often include transfers can be difficult...uprooting is not always easy and separations can mean loneliness and a longing. I say, Joan, to help face the prospect and anything that may come to fruition is to look at the bright side, although it may be harder to do than to say. Look at this as an adventure, something that can be so educational and beneficial for your granddaughters...and a great career advancement for the adults. You know how proud and pleased all of this will make you and them.