Our kids

Message 1686 of 9010

After a call and some emails from my son over the weekend, I'm thinking of the grown children of my coffee shop friends. There are different levels of our relationships with them, don't you think? So many feelings are possible--love, of course, pride, surprise, but also resentment, doubt, and regret. With Thanksgiving almost here, I'm wondering, what's your relationship history with your kids and what comes to your mind when you think of them?

posted by Valley

I have been very blessed with a great relationship with my son (35) & daughter (31). They both live within 20 miles of me, so I have the grandkids close by.

We have always given them their space & expected the same. Never drop in without calling first, for instance. I talk to my daughter almost daily & my son once or twice a week. Even when we are traveling, they make sure to touch base regularly. We are consious of their privacy & do not give advise unless asked.

When I listen to some of my friends who never hear from their kids or have those who only come around when they want something, I thank God for the great relationship we have.

posted by faith2
over 2 years ago

Hello Valley and the rest of the coffee house gang. Long time since I've posted. Seem to be really busy!
I had to respond to this post...couldn't resist!
My kids and I (my husband too!) are really close. Can't say that this includes my daughter-n-law....she tried her best to keep us away from our grandson...and even though we see him and the younger one on a weekly basis now (her mom & dad & sister were the only ones who got to keep overnight and have relationship with him..until my son finally put his foot down and actually seperated from her for 6 months) the damage has been done...I didn't get to bond with him and he cries whenever his daddy leaves him.

Otherwise....my kids and grandkids are close....sometimes too close....but I love it!

posted by Tootsie1956
over 2 years ago

Hi faith, and hi Tootie! Don't try too hard to resist posting! lol
Nice to read about you two being close to kids. I'd like to say I'm close to my kids, but that's only a little bit true. Laura has always been a bit stand-offish since birth, and I hear from her 2 or 3 times a month, and she lives here in town. She's nice enough, but just likes being separate. Paul is just extra busy. When he finds time, we can talk on the phone for a couple of hours. He and I share an interest in making music. He's taking a piano class in college now, and we'll probably spend some time at my piano together this weekend.

posted by Valley
over 2 years ago

I will be missing my sons this Thanksgiving since they live in CT and MS and the airlines have suddenly jacked up their fares, but they will be home for Christmas - yeah!!!

The biggest problem with them being so far away and male is that I won't hear from them (other than Facebook or email) for over a month and then one will call and talk for hours. The joke around here is that they work for the CIA and we only hear from them when they come in from the cold. Since I have been saying this, it is amazing how many of my friends have children who work for the CIA as well.

I guess, other than missing them, I am thankful that they are successful young men and that they have wonderful friends and lives where they live.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone and enjoy your family wherever they may be.

posted by FitnessWalker
over 2 years ago

Well, Christmas will be here soon, Jan, right? That's funny about coming in from the cold! You probably had the same goal as I when having my kids, that they would grow up to be happy, productive adults, and I guess they've achieved that.

posted by Valley
over 2 years ago

I miss my kids and grandkids, but I stay in touch with my 2 daughters by phone about every 2 weeks and sometimes Email. The grandkids not so much--the big boys (20 and 17) are always on the go and the little guy (4) is too little to chat with yet. But the little one has a good memory and certainly knew who I was this summer even though I hadn't seen him for a year and a half. I'll see everyone this summer when they come for a visit.

Even though we live over a thousand miles away from each other, we are close and there are no issues between us or personality conflicts, so I guess we are blessed.