Staying Close When You’re Far Apart

by Marcia McCluskey
svenskagrandy@yahoo.com

I can’t help but feel envious of my sister-in-law when I see her packing her grandchildren in her SUV and heading off for a day at the local park. It is even worse when I see those grandchildren embrace her and beg for a cookie. Those of you who live a distance from their grandchildren will understand.

It’s not that I want to ‘raise’ my grandsons –heaven forbid! However, it breaks my heart to know that the little ones have to be reminded of who I am. (It is wonderful that my son and his wife start the re-educating with their 3 little guys before I arrive. How is a 5 year old to remember a grandmother he has seen twice?) By the way, this family lives in AUSTRALIA!!!

I thought of sending fantastic gifts monthly to each of the 10 kids. Not possible and not happening.

What to do then? Here are some ideas I came up with. I welcome your ideas as well.

Establish yourself as a real person by communicating often with the child. Tell them about your life and show and interest in theirs.

Phone calls – These can be tricky. A grandparent needs to be emotionally strong. I’ve heard these responses over the years:

I’m too busy.

Do I have to?

Hi, that’s all I have to say.

Yeah, yeah, u-huh, ok bye

Letters - All kids love to get letters in the mail. It is rather an occasion these days. Write to the child and have the words Ask Mommy or Daddy to read this to you on the envelope. If you are corresponding with a young child, go ahead and use up some of those unsolicited address labels or other bright stickers. I have often cut out little pictures to replace words. This makes the letter more fun and the words easier to ‘read’. (See sample)

Dear ,

I wanted you to know that I bought a new just like yours.

I hope I can learn to ride it

as well as you can.

My old friend is going to ride with me in the park. We might even race. (I’m winning!)

Love you,

Grandy

In this sample, I did not ask any questions but I easily could have. To make it easier for mom & dad, you might add a checklist or ask the child to draw you a picture. I always try to remember to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Chances of getting a response are much better!

Postcards- Sending postcards makes the job really simple. If you are on a vacation, it is a chance to share it with a grandchild. Turn it into a learning experience.

E-mailing – Instant communication

This is just like letter writing but much more casual and instant. Messages are usually short and to the point. I can imagine a granddaughter informing a grandparent that her parents are so UNCOOL.

Part 2

Text Messaging – Now here is how to be a 21^st century grandparent – now this is COOL. You may want to learn some of the common ‘lingo’ in order to fit in. (There are many more but this should get you started!)

#
2U2	To you too
411	Information or gossip
?	Huh?
?4U	Question for you
A
AFAIK	As far as I know
AFK	Away from keyboard
AIM	AOL Instant Messenger
AKA	Also known as
AOL	America Online
ASAP	As soon as possible
ASL	Age, sex, location
B
b/c	Because
B/W	Between
b4	Before
BBIAB	Be back in a bit
BBL	Be back later
BCC	Blind carbon copy
bf	Boyfriend
BFF	Best friends forever
BFN	Bye for now
BOT	Back on topic
BRB	Be right back
BTW	By the way
C
CC	Carbon copy
CTN	Can't talk now
cya	See ya
CYE	Check your e-mail
D
DIY	Do it yourself
dl	Download
E
EG	Exempli gratia (Latin: For example)
ETA	Estimated time of arrival
F
f	Female
FAQ	Frequently Asked Questions
FUBAR	Fouled up beyond all recognition
FWIW	For what it's worth
FYI	For your information
G
gb	Goodbye
gf	Girlfriend
GG	Good game
GJ	Good job
GL	Good luck
gr8	Great
GTG	Got to go
H
HOAS	Hold on a second
HTH	Hope this helps
I
IAC	In any case
IC	I see
IDK	I don't know
IE	Id est (Latin: That is)
IIRC	If I remember correctly
IM	Instant Message
IMO	In my opinion
IRT	In regards to
J
J/K	Just kidding
K
K	OK
L
L8	Late
L8R	Later
LMAO	Laughing my a** off
LMK	Let me know
LOL	Laughing out loud
M
m	Male
MMB	Message me back
MMO	Masively Multiplayer Online
MSG	Message
MYOB	Mind your own business
N
N/A	Not Available
NC	No comment
ne1	Anyone
NM	Not much
NP	No problem
NTN	No thanks needed
O
OMG	Oh my gosh
OT	Off topic
P
PDA	Public display of affection
PHAT	Pretty hot and tempting
PIR	People in room
PK	Player Killing
pls	Please
POS	Parent over shoulder
ppl	People
pwn	Own
Q
qt	Cutie
R
RE	Regarding
ROFL	Rolling on the floor laughing
ROTFL	Rolling on the floor laughing
RPG	Role Playing Game
RTFM	Read the flippin' manual
S
SOS	Someone over shoulder
SP?	Spelling?
sup	What's up
T
TBA	To be announced
TBC	To be continued
TC	Take care
thx	Thanks
TIA	Thanks in advance
TISNF	That is so not fair
TLC	Tender love and care
TMI	Too much information
TTYL	Talk to you later
txt	Text
TY	Thank you
U
U2	You too