Adjustment

According to our oldest daughter, our family life as we know it is about to end.

Did I mention she is a little dramatic?

It isn't about to end, but it is definitely taking a detour from the highway of "smooth sailing". First let me start by saying our kids are so lucky to have two sets of grandparents that live ONE MILE from them - one on the north end and one on the south. The kids see my parents and my in-laws almost ever week day and most weekends. Our kids would not know what to do with themselves if they weren't surrounded by their grandparents love and affection at each and every birthday / special event. It's an understatement to say they are blessed by these relationships.


So it makes it that much harder when my father-in-law, Bob, announces that he has taken a position with a bank in Florida. Doesn't seem so bad right? A nice place to visit, a nice destination spot for the family to get away, a warm climate during those blowy Michigan winter months. That would make sense - as long as you aren't seven years old.

I don't think our two youngest have wrapped their minds around the fact that their Poppa is going to be living in Florida and commuting to Michigan. So far, we haven't had questions or concerns from either of them. They've been too busy with the signs of spring and the fact that they can ride their bikes now! Oh, to be four again - life is simple at that age isn't it?

Now, Madison - she is another story. She's scared that her Poppa will miss her special moments - her birthday, Christmas, her every day stories. She's scared that her Grandma, who for now has decided to stay in Michigan, will suddenly decide that Florida is the place she wants to be every day and pick up and move without telling her. She's scared that her life as she knows it will not be the same. She has ALWAYS been very close to her Poppa Sewick - she was the first grandchild on Scott's side and he totally caters to her (oh yes you do, Poppa!!).

She's spent a couple of nights the last few weeks crying, trying to tell us that this just isn't what she wants. "Make him stay, Mom", she said to me last night. My heart aches for her. I want so much to comfort her and tell her everything will be just like it is now, but we know that isn't the truth. So we just hug her and tell her that we'll figure it out - one day at a time. We try to see the silver lining of the situation by telling her that Poppa will only be two hours from Mickey Mouse and she'll be riding in her first plane soon. And while that excites her for a few moments, the inevitable truth is that her Poppa won't be at her beckon call. The inevitable truth is that we have been so spoiled to have the kids' grandparents right around the corner almost their whole lives and now things are changing...and we have to adapt.


I feel for Scott too. While I know he is making the best of the situation and is being a "big strong daddy" for his little girls, he is torn up inside. He wants what is best for his Dad. After all, it is an opportunity of a lifetime. But he also wants to be a bit selfish, I think, and have him here too. They are buddies through and through - best friends. They talk on the phone or email almost daily. They run together on the weekends. They constantly tease each other and on occasion will act like twin twelve-year old boys, wrestling in the living room and trying to "out do" one another at some sporting event in the front yard.

So while the bright May sky is clear and blue in Michigan, for today, our forecast for the future is a bit cloudy with a chance of rain. Bob boarded a plane this morning for Florida. We wish him all the best and know that he will be successful at whatever he sets his mind to. And, of course, we will pray for his safe travels. It will be a bitter sweet moment - we are so very proud of his accomplishments and that he even has this opportunity. But make not mistake, inside we'll be hoping that he doesn't have to go. Inside, we'll be secretly crying and begging him to stay.

We'll miss you while you are in Florida, Poppa, but we know that you will be in our hearts each and every day:)