I have been lucky enough to have a really close relationship with my grandparents. When I was little I would go for week long trips to “Nana camp”, which was special 1:1 time with my grandmothers – I would go to one grandmother’s house while my brother went to the other’s house, and then we’d swap. I’ve got wonderful memories of that time. I’m trying to facilitate my daughters having that same bond with their grandparents, too.

When we moved from TX to CT, I had a lot of sadness about leaving a wonderful support system and fabulous friends. However, we ended up living 5 minutes from one grandmother, and 15 minutes from the other. Nothing is better than being there for people when they need you, and I was able to be there for them when my grandfather died and when my other grandmother was hospitalized.

I’m incredibly lucky to still have 2 grandmothers – one is 85 and the other is 90. What I think is even luckier is that the girls are now old enough that they should remember my grandmothers for the loving people they are.

This morning my Nana M. (pictured here with my Grandpa Bob) had a stroke. She had some left side weakness, slurring of speech, and confusion. She’s improving, but it’s really upsetting, and now that we’re in MA it’s a bit longer than 15m to go see her. My mom and I are going tomorrow, though, and the girls will stay home with Bill for the day.

Prayers, vibes, and good wishes are all accepted for my grandmother. I’m worried, and I’m not ready to let go of her. That grandparent bond is a strong one.