My parents are here for a visit this week. I haven't seen them for 5 months so it is nice to be with them again. Many times people move far away from their parents after they are grown up and on their own. In my case my parents moved away. My Dad had a change of jobs almost 6 years ago that relocated him to Albuquerque, New Mexico after living in Utah for 30 years. It was a BIG change for my parents but they have made the most of it. They love their new home and they have become quite the New Mexicans - they even eat green chiles all the time. The state question in New Mexico is "red or green?" and this refers to whether or not you want red or green chile sauce on your food. I'm really proud of them. I think it has been an amazing journey for them to embrace a new state, a new home, and entirely new circumstances.
The downside is that I don't get to see them as often as I would like to and when we do get together, it costs someone quite a bundle because of airline travel (or time and gas to drive). Thankfully, it is only a short flight away. Some people live much farther away from the ones they love. And then there are those who have lost their parents. My heart goes out to them. I count myself as very lucky that my parents are still young and healthy. I'm glad we get to enjoy this week together. I'm especially glad that my kids get to enjoy this time with their grandparents.
I hope you will take a Memory Monday moment to jot down your thoughts about where your parents are right now and how you feel about that.
