Proximity

"The family - that dear octopus from whose tentacles we never quite escape, nor, in our inmost hearts, ever quite wish to." ~Dodie Smith

 There are a lot of people I know that do not want to live as close to their parents as Tim and I do. I find that a little sad but I also understand the feeling.

Living close to our parents means they have access to us at almost any given time. That has its advantages. If we need help with the kids we have someone to call; like the last couple of days Matthew was out of school and he was either going to have to go to work with me or I was going to have to stay home during a busy time at work. Likewise, if they need help with something, we can be there for them. For example, twice recently I was able to help out both sets of parents. A few weekends ago my parents were out of town; I was able to take my Grandma to an important appointment. That benefitted them and me because I got some really great time with my Grandma but they were able to enjoy another activity and I was very glad for them. Just last week I was able to be there for Tim's grandmother after she fell and ended up in the E.R. Another family member was on the way but I happened to be right down the block from the E.R. when I heard the news. I was very glad to be able to help because, after all, that is what family is for, right?!

Now, here are the disadvantages. We are always here but so are they. That sounds terrible for me to say, right?! Let me explain. Being here means that I never have the advantage of spending 24/7 with my parents or Tim's. Someone always has to go home. Sure, my children can go spend the night but they do not have the advantage of getting many full days of fun with the grandparents. What I mean to say is, we and our parents still have obligations here. When my brothers come with their families or Amy and Ryan come, they have the advantage of spending a lot of time with our parents in their homes. Likewise, when my parents go for a visit, my brother's families get them for extended periods without my parents having to run off to do something else (like take care of an animal).

So while it seems I may have the advantage of proxmimity I also have the curse of proximity. Regardless, I will be thankful for the time I have with our parents as far too often I am reminded of the fact that far too often the time is up before it seems it even begins.