FOR WEEKS I ANTICIPATED the Fourth of July. Not for the reason I should have, to celebrate our nation’s birth.
Son-in-law Marc, left, with his wife (my daughter), Amber; son Caleb; and daughter Miranda.
But rather, I was looking forward to the holiday for the sole reason that my two daughters, son and son-in-law would be together for one day with my husband and me and my extended family.
With the son living in Boston and the second daughter 300 miles away in eastern Wisconsin, it is seldom we are all together. The last time was just before Christmas, for an evening.
Six months may not seem like a long time to be away from your kids. And it’s not in the span of time.
But, as a mother, I don’t think you ever fully adjust to the absence of the children you have loved even before birth.
I am blessed beyond measure by my family and am thankful for every moment we are together.
Yet, a certain melancholy creeps in. Without fail, I cry my eyes out every single time my daughter shuts the door on her red Chevy and my son rolls his luggage into the airport.
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I agree. More holidays and vacation days.
Lovely pictures and memories of your time together. I totally understand. A mother will never lose that feeling of melancholy when the kids leave. So glad you had a nice time.
I knew you would relate to this post.
I know how you feel Audrey. When you get grandchildren & great-grandchildren you
miss them when they can’t come to gatherings too. Seems like there is always someone missing.
My mom was so surprised when my son from Boston and my daughter from eastern Wisconsin were at our Fourth of July gathering. I didn’t tell her or other family members because I wanted them to be surprised.
So glad your family was able to be together.
Me, too.
Blessings – I am sure you soaked each and everyone in while they were with you 🙂 It is hard to live miles apart from family and it makes me enjoy my time with them even more when I get it! Happy Tuesday.
You can bet I savor every moment with the family I don’t often see.
What a great day for all of you! So nice to have everyone together for awhile. Love to the entire family. You are also my family!
Dorothy
It was wonderful to be together. You know how cherished those family times are.
So glad you had all three together for a day, that does a mamma’s heart good. I cant image not seeing them for 6 months at a time…. it would seem like an eternity to me as I’m sure it does you. The photo is wonderful…such great kids you have!
It is tough not to see my kids for long periods of time. Caleb will next be back in Minnesota during Christmas break, not quite six months. You sort of get used to it, but not really.
Ugh….sorry friend
Oh! I did ask in my comment on your last post if your children had been with you for 4th of July. I’m so glad they were all present. How special for you. Your son and son-in-law are so tall! I know what you mean about the tears when children go away – I think I will be this way all my life! xx
It’s the mother in us…
I can only imagine how many tears you cried when Arabella set off alone for the U.S. My middle daughter has traveled three times alone to Argentina, including the six months she studied abroad there. Now THAT was difficult. Also difficult was the time my eldest went on a mission trip to Paraguay as an 18-year-old college freshman. I had no idea where Paraguay was even located.
Yes, Marc and Caleb are VERY tall.