I haven’t talked to my grandparents in a month. I planned on going to visit them next weekend. I still might. It’s my last free weekend until the end of October. But I can tell I’m stalling. I need to make a decision, and fast.
I’m avoiding the decision because I know my grandparents (mostly my grandma) will put me in a tough situation. I’ll be bombarded with questions and opinions about both of my parents. I’m not in any place to deal with those things. My grandma tends to be a negative person, which doesn’t help. I don’t know how to tactfully deal with the situation. Especially because my mother doesn’t speak to me anymore.
When my dad’s mother died last summer, my mom’s parents came to the funeral. Before hand, my grandma approached my sister and ranted about how my mom should’ve been listed in the obituary because she had been her daughter-in-law for more than 20 years. As if that was the right place to throw that fit, AND my sister had any control over it. Just imagine what would happen if it were just me and my grandparents for three whole days…
Nothing that’s stemmed from my parents’ divorce (severed relationships, broken hearts, stolen belongings, ridiculous settlements) is fair. But life is short, too. I don’t know how to be a good granddaughter to them, a good daughter to both of my parents, and good to myself.
This goal just got a lot deeper. 9 months ago
I talked to my grandparents yesterday. They seemed to be doing pretty well – much more animated than usual – and that was nice to hear. I told them I was looking at weekends in August and September to come up and visit. Of course they said as they always do, “come on up!” They’re probably not holding their breaths, as I’ve been awful about keeping my word to them :(
Looking at my calendar, however, I’ve already picked out a weekend! August 10-13. Three-ish days of visiting, plus travel time. Not a long trip, but I’m just going to visit with them – not to sightsee or anything. I also think I can swing it to make Monday a work-out-of-the-office day, so no vacation time needed! Time to put these plans in place before I back out. 10 months ago
since I’ve made the trip to my grandparents’ house. It feels like it’s been longer, but my uncle recently showed proof of my visiting in 2003. Sigh. That’s just unacceptable.
Granted, they’re the ones that chose to move away when I was 10. For nine years, I went up there at least once a year – often more – to visit their house on the river. It’s peaceful up there, but boring after a day or two.
I’ve been making them empty promises to visit for years. I’ve always got an excuse.
I see my grandparents a few times a year when they travel south to visit family. I don’t always make that effort, though. Part of that’s due to my strained relationship with my mother. Part of it’s due to laziness.
My grandparents have nothing but love for me and their family. I’m their oldest grandchild. My sister and I were their only grandchildren for 16 years. I know I/we have a special place in their hearts. They’re special to me, too. And they’re not getting any younger. I’ve already lost one set of grandparents – I don’t want to take them for granted while they’re still here. 10 months ago
Wish I could see him more. See your grandparents every chance you get!!! 15 months ago
