I just spent 16 days in paradise with my husband - warm ocean, gentle breezes, incredible food and glorious sunsets. What more could I want?
My three grandchildren.
My husband and I recently returned from our annual vacation to Negril, Jamaica. We had a wonderful time, but, after the first few days, I started missing my babies: Tilleigh, 7; Evie, 3, and William, 17 months.
Missing my kids/grandkids when I'm away from home is nothing new. I've been doing it since my oldest daughter first spent the night away from home when she was in first grade. I'm OK for the first few days, but then the longing for them kicks in.
Thanks to modern technology, I sort of had them with me, thanks to the thousands of photos and numerous videos on my Macbook, iPad and iPhone. They're just a touch away. I'm not sure it's a good thing, though, to look at the photos/videos when I'm away from home because it only makes me want them more.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not obsessed with these kids (well, maybe a little), it's just that I love them so much. I love everything about them. Tilleigh is growing up so fast, and we have so many heartfelt conversations, and she loves to make me laugh. I really enjoy being with her.
Evie is just incredibly endearing. Her cute personality and adorable expressions have me at her mercy.
And, William, oh my gosh, William. He's the sweetest, most lovable little guy ever.
How did I get so lucky to have these three children in my life and get to be with them every single day?
I do, though, love and appreciate being alone with my husband. In fact, that's why we've taken this annual vacation for the last 23 years. It's our two weeks of the year that's just for us - no interruptions, no schedules, no deadlines.
Still, we missed the grandchildren.
A friend of ours, also vacationing in Jamaica, asked me (jokingly, I think) during dinner one evening if I'd please stop talking about my grandchildren because it made his wife sad because they didn't yet have any grandchildren.
Say what?
Uh, no. If you're going to be around me (and that's your choice, no hard feelings), you're going to hear about the grandkids. Period.
It was during this same conversation that my husband said something that caused butterflies to flutter around inside me. He said that before we had our first granddaughter, he never thought he'd be the person he is today - a loving, devoted grandfather. He loves our grandchildren as much as I do and, if you're around us, you'd see how obvious it is. We are as committed to these little people as we were (and still are) to our children. Like I've said before in this column, my love for my grandchildren is though I had given birth to each one.
And, just so you know, all three grandchildren spent the night with us the first night we got back home from vacation. Turns out they missed us, too.
Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6396.