Counting Down The Sleeps!

It was a difficult decision. I looked at all angles... worried and wondered which way should I go. Checking the internet several times a day. Finally a mid week sale at Air Canada made my decision for me. Ticket booked and counting down. Not exactly the perfect Christmas holiday. But I have decided perfection is overrated. If I had my dream of dreams I would live around the corner and be able to be a part of the normal day to day, not just the highlights and holidays...but I had to choose...(due to circumstances beyond my control)...do I go for the cookie making and the shopping and the recitals and the anticipation or be there for the arrival of the big guy in red and get to watch the wonder on their faces as they race down the stairs to see if HE really came. I ended up choosing the first..cooking making, shopping etc.....this is just a day in the life of a long distance grandparent. Its never easy...I always wonder...I try to be realistic. How many times a year can I go to see these little wonders? Should I be satisfied with two or three times a year? Do I focus on the milestones or the day to day magic...when in reality I want it all. There are times when I think its more important to know that they are loving hot oatmeal and yogurt for breakfast and are OFF the potatoes than being one in a crowd at a loud busy rambunctious pizza party celebrating their 2nd or 3rd birthday...I don't know....which one will they remember... I want to believe that our nightly phone calls for bedtime stories and lullaby's shorten the distance and erase they days that fall between the good-byes. But time is marching on...we've gone from Junie B Jones to Hannah Montana in a blink...from chubby cheeks and giggly garble to articulate complete sentences and from snuggly newborn to a sippy cup and fishie crackers...and that's just between the warm days of summer and the cool days of autumn. Imagine the magic that happens on a Tuesday at 10:00 in the morning...something that no one else's grandchild could possibly have done before...but I have to choose...I can focus on what I miss or I can count my blessings and be truly grateful for every minute that I get to share with these little miracles.