Grand Thoughts: Peace and quiet are overrated

There’s something to be said about peace and quiet.

But when you’re used to loud (thanks to three young children), quiet is overrated. I got a reminder of that last week when my three grandchildren were in Gulf Shores, Ala., for spring break.

I missed them something awful.

Sure, there are days I cherish peace and quiet, especially after a tiring day at work when I love coming home and face-planting on the couch. But there are days when I have to have my little people with me, regardless of whether they’re loud or not.

My daughter and I have worked out a schedule that gives me a lot of time to spend with the grandchildren while at the same time, giving her a break. As a single mom, she most definitely enjoys peace and quiet. I have the grandchildren with me every Wednesday night and every other weekend. And because they live next door, they’re at my house many times in between.

So this last week was painfully quiet. It reminded me of how I felt (lonely) when the youngest of my four children, Kit, headed off to college.

My grandchildren play hard, but they also value snuggling. At any given time, I’ve got one of the kids in my lap, or all three. From super-affectionate 8-year-old Tilleigh to loving 4-year-old Evie and the-never-tires-of-kisses William, I love that my grandchildren live next door.

One day, though, I will have at least one, likely more, grandchildren living across the country. My son, who will get a doctorate in May, lives in California, and there’s a good chance that’s where he and his wife will continue to live. They plan to have children.

My daughter-in-law, Bonnie, who is like a daughter to me, jokingly said that she’s afraid I’ll love my Tennessee grandchildren more than my California ones since I get to see the Tennessee ones all the time. Of course I won’t love them more, but it is reality that I will probably be closer to them since they’re close by. I get to go to their plays, swim meets, sports events, birthday parties, etc., and I’ve never missed a birthday, Easter or Christmas with them.

I only see Kit and Bonnie just several times a year (including Christmas every other year).

Ugh.

I don’t know how I’m going to handle this emotionally. I know technology has opened doors when it comes to communicating, and I will definitely make use of it. But it’s not the same as having them live close by, is it?

Hopefully, some of you grandparents who read my column will share with me how you maintain a close relationship with grandchildren who live far away. I need advice.

Meanwhile, I’ll continue to count my blessings and be grateful for the incredible gift I’ve been given to have my little people live next door. But I have no doubt, I’ll be giving new meaning to “California or bust.”

Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6396.