Portrait #28: Hank
Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo of Hank from 2013.
I wish I lived closer to sweet Hank. But my great nephew and his parents (and soon to be sibling) live nearly 125 miles away in Walnut Grove, childhood home of author Laura Ingalls Wilder. I see Hank only a few times a year at family gatherings. But such is life these days with extended families separated by many miles, sometimes even by oceans.
Hank, though, is lucky enough to have his paternal grandma and a beloved auntie caring for him while Mom and Dad work. He is loved by many near and far.
This Saturday, Hank turns three. I expect he will have quite the birthday party.
If you’re fortunate enough to live near relatives, I hope you appreciate that close geographical connection. And if you don’t live near family, I hope you’ve found your own circle of friends to embrace and love and support and care for you. We all need each other to get us through the rough patches and to celebrate those occasions when life is as simple and good as it was when we were three.
© Copyright 2015 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Made us smile this morning! Looking forward to seeing Hank and both of you tomorrow.
We won’t be at the party. But I’m sure it will be a fabulous one. Enjoy!
Living in close proximity does have some advantages…..certainly is much easier to celebrate those “milestones” but life’s busy-ness has a way of intervening/preventing interactions and, many times, results in taking others for granted. Just some thoughts……. So much fun to see those great grands growing!!!!!!!! (too fast, though!!)
If only we could eradicate the busyness sometimes. So important to take time for family.
That sweet face! Love this photo. There is something about little tiny kids in sunglasses…..and you’re right about appreciating family who live close.
Thanks, Kathleen. I love the photo, too.
Your photo of Hank reminds us all that there is no joy more pure than that of a child.
I agree. And there are days when I wish I was the child again with my mother to care for me.
I was jealous of those who had nearby relatives when my kids were small. Now it’s hard in different ways…no grandparents at concerts, etc.
Been in your shoes. I always disliked Grandparents’ Day at school. Do teachers not realize how difficult this is for families without grandparents nearby?
yeah, totally agree.
Happy Birthday Hank!!! What a doll
Isn’t he a cutie?
Oh, sweet little hank! I’ve loved seeing pictures of this little guy as he’s growing up. Only a few weeks younger than our Carson, these boys are getting so big! He is adorable 🙂
I thought of you and your sweet Carson when I was writing this post.
One of the great advantages of Social Media and technology is being able to keep in touch with those who are not in close proximity to us. Family and friend alike.
This is true. When I think back to college, I remember one phone in the dorm for all to use (no cell phones in those days), no computers and only communicating by snail mail. I think how tough it must have been for mothers sending their sons off to war before this modern day communication.
With or without instant communications it is tough to send a child off to war, as I’m sure you know.
I’ve never sent a child off to war. But sending a college student away half way across the country is not easy.
But I trust we are taking good care of him up here.
Hank is adorable and well loved I am sure from what you have shared about him. Being one of those who has never had the privilege of living close to family I had to figure out how to make it work years ago. Lots of letters in the early years, phone calls and now with all of the social media and advances in technology it is so much easier. Not that it is perfect but it does make it easier to be a part of our loved ones lives on a daily basis.
Yup, just recently set up Skype.
What a shame you don’t live closer to Walnut Grove. You will definitely have to make the trip when the new sibling is born and I’m sure it will be an easier trip if it’s not snowing – may your summer last and last xx
Always easier to travel in Minnesota when we don’t have winter weather. Yes, excited to see the new little great niece or nephew.