Another time- another place

 Time doesn't stand still - we do!

If you've been following my blogs you'll know I am in New Zealand at present visiting my family. Like 1000s of others the pandemic situation in the world is slowly allowing more freedom ( but with caution) and families are re-uniting world wide as I type.

I left New Zealand mid 2000 and have visited here on average every 15 months. Sometimes the gap was less, sometimes a wee bit more but never as long as this last period.

Because I came back at regular intervals it was easy to pick up where I left off, some people actually not realizing I'd been, gone and back again.

It was also handy as I would see with my own eyes the changes around towns and places I'd visit. Road works, housing appearing, shops changing hands. Not only that. I would also be more in tune where my grandchildren were at in their development. Having been away almost 3+1/2 years ( May 2019) has certainly affected my feeling of connection, of  being 'in the loop' with the changes. I have stood still while time just kept on ticking.

Now I am not that naive to think everything would still be how I left it. That the children have grown, some into young adults, is a normal and natural progression. Still what did change was the connection I had with them. The very young ones didn't have a treasure chest filled with lots of memories, as some were too young to recall some of our escapades and fun moments. Others have moved on - to almost university level schooling so are  busy with study, friends and sports. And that is a good thing - it just does have bearing on the relationships. Some have more time now to spend with me, their oma, and others don't. So a shift in focus and activities is order of the day. Re-acquainting ourselves with each personality, personal like and activity and finding out what is important in their lives which wasn't relevant before. All the while trying to be the oma befitting each child. A challenge and a wonderful one at that. All things being equal I won't have another LONG break from my family in the future. Eventually I know the visits will cease. I am not the youngest anymore and eventually the length of the trip will be too much of a challenge so I will make the most of every opportunity I get ( make happen) to be part of the families' lives as often as possible.

The country too has changed. Not just the addition or should I say improvement on the roads. New motorways connecting cities. Huge shopping complexes to cope with the increase in size of the cities and modernization in many parts of the inner city to keep up with the ever changing world. Globally of course awareness for our planet plays a role here too. The pace of life in New Zealand is faster now than when I left. It almost matches that of the place I now call home in the Netherlands. No it's not Amsterdam, but the volume traffic, high rise buildings and housing projects, it would seem New Zealand is swelling in population faster than I imagined it would. What did astound me, was this beautiful green and vast country isn't making use of the area but cramming as many home units on a small piece of land. Family home sized sections seem to be a thing of the past. Cramming 4 homes where there was once one home seems illogical to me. Why is 'spreading out' not the norm? Why push people onto each other's boundaries when we know and have known for many years, that space, individuality and privacy are a necessary component of well being. That's what attracted my father and many immigrants in the first place. New Zealand's open spaces. There is plenty of land.... it is just not being used to live on.

Anyway, that were some of the noticeable things that changed in the interim while I wasn't able to visit.

NOW is here and HERE to enjoy. And hopefully I'll be staying more often again in the future.

Be good.    -     Be kind      -     Keep smiling

Life - and it's gifts

Life is a gift - unwrap it - use your undiscovered talents 

You only get one stab at life

Be generous

Be loving

Be considerate

Be all you can be

Two weeks ago I was privileged to hold a newborn grandson in my arms. A few hours old. What a joy. What a blessing. He will be sharing the love of his parents with 4 siblings, two girls ( the eldest of the 5) and 2 boys. No doubt the parents will be faced with  challenges they hadn't envisaged - on the other side of that same coin they will experience great joys too.

For the second time in my 'oma period' I have been present when one of the grandchildren arrived. As an OmaFarAway, it isn't always possible to be on the spot when such life changing events take place. I do get the feeling though that this wonder of life is the Full-stop in the family cycle. All three families now being complete. 

I am truly blessed and realise quite realistically that this is a unique position to be in. My children and grandchildren are healthy, happy, thriving individuals ( from 22y to 2 weeks) making their way in their world at their own pace and with their own uniqueness, encouraged and nurtured by their parents.

This is really all I wanted to say really. No great philosophical or debatable discussion. Just stating my joyous event- the birth of another grandchild. 

Be good.     -     Be kind.      -      Keep smiling

Arms to hug and hold me.

 May 2019 - my last hug and glimpse of my dearest darling children en grandchildren.

2020: My trip on hold: Who would have thought the world would change so dramatically in such a short space in time.

2022: Finally:  Arms to hold me, hugs to give

I've lived back  in the country of my birth from 1 July 2000. In that time I have flown back to my second home,  to Aotearoa/ New Zealand and Australia on average every 15 months, till 2019 that is.  My planned trip for the end of 2020 was put on hold. Not only because of Corona but also due to the restricted access one had to a much desired entry ticket to get into Aotearoa/New Zealand. The government had closed its doors to keep its people safe and operated a sort of lucky dip for those needing/wanting to go home. I didn't participate. Left the space I might take up for those with even more pressing needs. This doesn't make me a saint, just felt uncomfortable in case I got 'lucky' and someone needing to be with their dying parent, wedding or birth event lost out. And I've not even mentioned to huge costs of the quarantine hotels.

The virus hasn't gone but the immediate danger, the heaviness of the pandemic has subsided. Yes, one can still become very ill. Some may even not survive but most will. Thankful for the vaccination available is all I can say. After purchasing my ticket, which due to the fuel costs and other related reasons why had risen dramatically,  and applying for my Traveler's Declaration now required before entry I am now able to fly to hug and hold once again. I have NEVER been away from my children for this length of time. It was hard. Emotionally I coped, only just, having the support of many around me who helpen me through dark periods. I am so grateful for these support groups. Reading about more pressing and devastatingly sad cases I felt guilty at times about my own misery. Grateful too was I that there were no serious issues why I might have felt the pressing desire and need to be with my children. Great disasters were spared us. Many were not that fortunate.

So, looking forward and with renewed joy in my heart I am preparing to venture across the miles, different rules, new airport as I am taking an airline new to me. I believe masks will be required all the way: all 24-26 hours roughly which it will take to reach my destination. That'll be a challenge. At the end of that: 

arms which will embrace me. And that's the moment I yearn for. 

Be good - be kind - keep smiling.

How I try to be an Oma from a distance

 

There are many interpretations of being an oma ( grandmother) . My immediate thought would be, "oh, living far apart".  Sadly, for some, that isn't the case and I am well aware that some omas live physically close but have another sort of distance to bridge. And that must be hard. This blog title is about the physical distance many omas have in relation to their grandchildren, yet some of the emotions and experiences do share commonalities.

How to stay in touch? How to create and maintain a strong relationship? How to become and stay a part of each grandchild's life?

I guess that's different for everyone. All I can share is some of the things I do or attempt to do. Maybe there are ideas or possibilities in my sharing that may appeal to you. I'm certainly open to suggestions in the comments should you want to share.

While still living in New Zealand my eldest son moved to Australia. There he established a family and my OmaFarAway existence began. Their home, the farm, wasn't exactly round the corner and the trip to visit was a long one. Then I moved to the Netherlands and after a few years my daughter started her family. That was so hard. I had a job and couldn't 'just' pick up and leave to be with her. I still, to this day, recall when and where I was when the birth phone call came and the emotions that engulfed me. Before the birth of her second child I was able to be there and stayed 7-8 weeks with a visit to Australia sandwiched in between. I had become a jet-setting oma.

The families grew. My youngest son also started his family a few years later and I've attempted to visit every 18 months on average since my departure in 2000. I'm struggling at the moment as Covid19 is a deal breaker. I SO MISS VISITING MY (Grand)CHILDREN. Sorry about the caps! It is so heart wrenching to have not seen them since 2019.

But that's the reality and whilst I struggle with this situation, I am grateful to be alive and well and that they are too. So then, how do I stay connected, in touch, in the picture and involved?

The difference in the ages plays a huge role. I recall my mum on the odd occasion 'complaining' she missed seeing the kids when they grew into teenagers and spread their wings more. That changed again as they grew a wee bit older and were in a different flow of their lives. So it is with grandchildren, the exception ever present of course.

Recently I sent a wee parcel containing two reading books I had written myself. My youngest son also has the youngest family. I know not everyone likes writing, and some prefer drawing or taking photos. With my stories I am present at bedtime in book form. The stories can be read any time of the day but especially the night time read is one I miss. So I thought, let's write them stories. I actually only had that revelation recently. My writing idea developed itself along the way. So the older grandchildren missed out on that. I will however print off some copies so they might later read them to their children. 

For the hobby cook(s), I've made an Oma Cookbook. To keep memorie alive I've created the odd photo album of my visits and of course we have the amazing technology of today so that we can FaceTime and 'just' chat sending messages to and fro.

In 2018 I started a YouTube channel by the same name, OmaFarAway, and make videos of places we visit, things that occupy me, and even in the kitchen I showcase some of my recipes. I was 47 when I became an oma. Regardless of whether I lived close or far, I had a job so wouldn't have been 'free' to be in attendance all the time. Now, 30 years on, I've had to embrace modern technology to utilise this medium to shorten the physical distance and hope that the memories we make, the connections we have, the interactions we share, is enough to make life long memories. To create a bond that may not be what I dreamt of as a child, but is strong enough to keep the relationship healthy, loving and alive.

Being Omafaraway does mean I miss a lot of special moments. I could be quite down in the dumps about that. Of course it hurts at times, but life sends it's challenges and it is up to me to make the most of what I have- not dwell about what isn't! 

How do you experience your 'oma' situation?

Changing seasons - Up North and Down Under

 

Another change in season is upon us. Here, in Europe, spring is beckoning. Winter isn't ready to let go. Like me, farewelling someone or a place I feel at home in can be hard. Dawdling, looking back. Finding ways to prolong the inevitable. Winter will eventually leave us and go find it's purpose elsewhere.

In New Zealand the first signs of Autumn have appeared. Schools are back in full swing after a long hot summer. The evenings are lengthening. A quick dip in the backyard swimming pool will soon just be a memory. Keen to recapture that later in the year when the cycle repeats itself.

The changes in weather also bring changes in behaviour. In availability between me and my loved ones. They are home more, inside. Soon too, the clocks will alter to winter/summer time schedules, like we have been doing for many years. Right now, I have a 12 hour time difference with New Zealand and 10 with Australia. They charge on ahead of us here in Europe. At the end of this month, things will change. And somehow, even though the calculations are easier now, the timing with the change is better. I am looking forward to a few more better planned video contact moments.

Truth be told, I'd rather join them personally. It has been too long since I hugged and saw my family. But alas, we mustn't dwell on what isn't but be thankful of what is. During a recent video moment I promised the children I'd create a 'homework' project for them. The youngest ones that is. The older grandchildren have their high school studies all set out for them,. The primary level children have different schedules and interests for now. So today I am going to get the package sorted and mailed. I'm excited to be able to share my teaching skills in an oma sort of way.

I am so proud of all my grandchildren. Adults, almost adults, almost teens and young people. I have all ages in my 'care' as oma. I love them all with all my heart and appreciate each talent and personality. So diverse and a delight. I know I chose to be an 'oma far away', and never have imagined the emotions, the heartbreak ( at times) and missing you would be. I try to be as much an oma as I can and resign myself ( with difficulty) to all that I can't be. 

On that cheerful note: Sorry mustn't get maudlin, I'm off to be creative for some gorgeous people.

Want some visuals of OmaFarAway. Go to OmaFarAway on YouTube.

Keeping in touch from a distance

Do you have family living overseas? Or are you fortunate to have them in the same country, in the same town even?

Mid 1961 my parents took the plunge and we emigrated from the Netherlands to New Zealand. Due to health issues with my baby brother we returned to the Netherlands early 1967.

Unsettled, family in fits and starts back to New Zealand by mid 1971.

Seesaw immigrants you could say.

In 2000 I returned to the Netherlands on my own. My 28 year marriage had stranded, my children were of adult age and forging their own paths. One son had moved over to Australia in 1997 where he created his own family.

So you could say, we are scattered hither and yon. Each living their lives in the manner personally designed. This is my 21st year back in the Netherlands. It has brought me happiness and pain. Being this far removed from the children en growing grandchildren hasn't been all plain sailing but it hasn't all been terrible either. My main goal was- visit every 18 months, more if possible, less if the needs ( financial) must.

This past year has been a true trial. I haven't been able to even plan a trip let alone make one. I've got the presents. Purchasing the odd thing along the way. They sat and stared at me, pleading to be given and used. I have had to put them in the cupboard. Can't bear to look at them. I want to hand them over myself. See their faces when they open their gift. There is an option to post/ship a box full for everyone. I may have to resort to that.

To fill some of the void, I have written a couple of short stories and had the books printed via a photo album site. I may tape myself reading them and send the file. Had other ideas. Bedtime moment ideas. Those will have to wait.

I have been making videos ( I am an amateur) on YouTube, showing off the places I go to. Teaching them more about this country of their fore-fathers and mothers. Sharing my life in a small way. Another way to reach out instead of being able to tell the tales and describe the events. It fills the time, as I am then totally focussed on them. It feels like I'm visiting. It is one way of creating 'visits'. I especially love the cooking videos, thinking that maybe one day, they may use these recipes themselves.

The videos aren't as personal as you would think. That's because I know other family and friends watch them. I also created a cook book for some of the younger grandchildren with some recipes I use regularly. I have another one on the way for the older grandchildren. A bit more elaborate. Oh how I would love to provide them personally with meals and cakes. This is the next best thing. I love it when I'm told they have used the cookbook or have watched a video.

It's not like we are online every day, all the time. Lives are being lived. School, events, friends, work, time out, time in. Not to mention the juggling the clock and time difference. I think we have a healthy relationship in which we allow each other to share what they choose. It is normal for them and me, to continue to live our life to suit our situation. By doing some of the wee extra things I hope to maintain a bond which in turn brings our lives a little closer.

There is nothing more special that spending time together, even when you are apart. There are so many ways in which one can do that these days. Sadly my grandparents in 1961 didn't have any of the options we have today. I am hopeful for the future. For my next possible visit. I do my best to stay healthy and fit and am grateful for the fact that my family Down Under is safe and well. That is the most precious thing of all.

Further away than ever- but doing a come back.

Good morning, glad you could join me

It has been a while. I have suppressed the urge to write, well no not suppressed so much as not made the space to sit and put into words what I had on my heart. Combined with the fact that I was making videos for on a YouTube channel ( by the same name-OmaFaraway). Like everyone else, I also have 24 hours in my day to fill. For some reason that's not hard and my energy level isn't what it was when I was 50.

I am an OmaFarAway. That implies that I am somewhat separated from my grand+children. And as these past months have been plagued by a world wide pandemic, I feel even more separated than ever. Traveling is not an option at present. You see, I have to travel half way round the world, from the Northern Hemisphere to Down Under to see those I love so dearly.

It's been a hard year for many that I feel almost a gene, a sort of shame, to mention my own woes. I am healthy and plan on keeping it that way. My children and grandchildren too are fine and safe. As safe as one can be in life. The emotions that play a big role in my daily thoughts are those of frustration and loss. It is hard to deal with, especially in times of celebration like this past festive season or with birthdays and special events. Not that I only miss being around them then. Those are cherry on the cake moments. Oh how I'd like to be a fly on the wall in their homes sometimes, just to get a sneak view of what's happening. How are they doing?

It are uncertain times. Not that life is certain, but this pandemic has highlighted many things, including the difficulty of living far away from those who mean so much. A simple solution? No, there isn't one. That too is life. I am where I am and they are where they need to be as well. Roll on the time machine, the Tardis from Doctor Who, or the 'Beam me up Scotty" from Star Trek. I would make use of those options like a shot.

Well, that's my 5 cents worth for today. Be safe, be happy and keep smiling.

Koffer inpakken - time to pack.

Scroll down for the English version

Plannetjes smeden, kleding uit de kast halen, spinnenwebben van de  koffer afstoffen.

Ik vertrek 21 maart. Voor mij is niet alleen de reis leuk maar ook alle voorbereidingen. Ik kan mij nog herinneren dat ik, terwijl ik nog in Nieuw Zeeland woonde, een reis aan het voorbereiden was naar Nederland. Ik was er in geen 16 jaar geweest. Zo spannend. Ik zou in de winter gaan. Drie maanden lang. Mijn jongste zoon, toen 4, ging logeren bij een tante. Er waren 3 kinderen in het gezin. Leuk voor hem om speelkameraden te hebben terwijl ik weg was. De oudste twee bleven thuis bij hun vader. Ze hadden sport, school en speel activiteiten ten overvloed. En uiteraard, zomer vakantie.

Wat moest ik mee nemen. Wat zouden leuke cadeaus zijn? Hoe zou het er allemaal uit zien? Heel erg spannend. Ik voelde me als tiener die hun 'wereldreis' aan het voorbereiden waren.

Nu ga ik voor 2 maanden de andere kant op. Ik hoef geen kinderen te regelen. Het zal dan 2 jaar zijn sinds mijn laatst bezoek. Mijn man heeft al een hele lijst met activiteiten om samen met zijn broer naartoe te gaan. Mijn zwager woont nl in 'ons' appartement gebouw, dus ze zullen vast wel veel met elkaar op trekken. De tijd zal ook voor hem best wel snel gaan. Zo ie zo is het al een bezig bijtje met een mooi en genoegelijk hobby, de natuur. Hij is gids in De Hollandse Biesbosch. Even zonder elkaar is best uit te houden...wij gaan ervan uit dat het tijdelijk is.

Nog twee weken, dan is het zover. Er is een kleinzoon bij gekomen sinds mijn laatst bezoek. De anderen allemaal groter geworden. Ook mijn kleinzoon uit Australië komt naar Nieuw Zeeland. Zo leuk om ze allemaal samen te hebben. Nu maar kijken hoe ik het beste uit mijn tijd kan halen. Er zijn mensen die ik graag wil bezoeken. Ook mijn kinderen hebben verplichtingen en activiteiten waar ze het druk mee hebben. Het is passen en meten geblazen.

Het huis hier krijgt een grondige beurt, de pantry ( ja, ik heb een pantry) is opgeruimd en alle bakjes en potten van namen voorzien. Mijn man kookt best wel graag, toch handiger als hij ook weet wat er allemaal op de planken staat. Ik ben er eigenlijk al grotendeels klaar voor. Nog een paar afspraken voor mijn vertrek en dan is het 'op naar Schiphol'. Wat heb ik er zin in!


Well, the year is off to a good start. I'm flying to New Zealand in 2 weeks time. Will be so lovely to hug and hold all those near and dear to me again. It's been 2 years and that feels far too long.

Although the trip is the highlight and purpose, the preparations are all part of the excitement. Clothes to sort, suitcase to dust off and plans to make. Not that planning is easy. I have a list of things I'd like to do, people I am keen to see and places I'd love to visit. Thing is, I also want to fit in with all the already made plans, programmes and events my children have in their programmes. My grandchildren are all but 2, school going. The eldest is now working, and coming over from Australia to be with his cousins while I am there too.The youngest is a few months old. So there are sporting and club type activities to be taken into account. I've got 2 months- and I bet that'll just fly.

Since my last visit I've become the proud oma of another grandson. So keen to hold him close. The others have all grown so it'll be renewing our friendships and getting to know each other ll over again. Gladly though, it'll be a time to rebuild, not from scratch nut on top of what knowledge already exists.

I've been busy getting the house into tip top shape for hubby the next 8 weeks. The pantry totally organised with all canisters now labelled so he knows what's what. He is quite  a good cook you know. My brother in law lives in our apartment building. They have made quite  a few plans for things to do and go to while I'm away. Time will just fly, Oh I am so ready and eager to gooooo!

Terug van weggeweest - Back to routines

Scroll down for the English version! 

Nou dat is een tijdje geleden dat ik hier zit te schrijven. Wat een druk en vol jaar beleef ik dit jaar. Eerst de vooruitzicht en de komst van mijn kleinzoon uit Australië voor twee maanden. Na een vol programma, waarvan ik veel videos van op YouTube, onder OmaFarAway, heb gezet om op terug te kijken en de vreugde te delen, was het even aandacht voor het huishouden, vrienden en voorbereiden op mijn vervolg bezoek uit Nieuw Zeeland. Het mooie weer was een kers op de taart!

Annette logeerde 8 dagen bij ons waarna zij en ik een avontuur aangingen in Wales. Dit hebben we ook vastgelegd. Later als wij groot zijn kunnen we terugkijken op een mooi avontuur 😂! Mijn vriendin is ook oma, zal volgend jaar ook ervaren om een OmaFarAway te zijn wanneer haar dochter, schoonzoon en kleindochter naar Europa komen voor 2 jaar rondreizen. Zij is ook mijn vertegenwoordiger zo af en toe als pakjes bezorger, cadeautjes regelaar voor mijn kinderen en kleinkinderen in NZ. Handig zo'n tussen persoon.

Na onze reis wist ik dat ik aan moest poten om huishouden weer recht te breien, er was wel veel op orde maar toch...ik heb wat klusjes die ik klaar wilde hebben voordat ik een operatie aan mijn linkerhand zou ondergaan. Voorbereidingen om met een hand dingen toch te kunnen klaren. Ik zou 12 weken hersteltijd nodig hebben werd mij verteld. Ondertussen is ook mijn schoondochter zwanger zodat ik graag mijn spaarpotje weer aan wilde vullen om een kraambezoek te kunnen brengen. 

Ik was nog geen week thuis of er kwam een vervroegde oproep. Of ik de volgende dag al onder het mes wilde? Geen tijd om te piekeren, sneller hersteld. Leek ons een goede zet. Ik zit nu met één hand en alleen middelvinger te typen. Het herstel loopt achter gezien er een mini tegenslag is op komen dagen. Programma aangepast, er komen een paar weken bij! Het heeft wel voor de nodige onrust gezorgd. Komt goed zeggen de medici die hierbij betrokken zijn, komt goed. GEDULD is een schone zaak. Van alle gebeurtenissen de afgelopen maanden, kon ik hier niets op voorbereiden. Moest letterlijk alles uit handen geven. 

Ik ga ervan uit dat ik tegen eind van het jaar een reis hebt kunnen boeken om mijn nieuwste schatje te kroelen, om de anderen die al groot worden ook te omarmen, en mijn kleinzoon in persoon te feliciteren met zijn eerste baan. Wat een rijkdom. Wat is de afstand toch groot als alles even niet mee zit? Deze OmaFarAway had wel wat kinderknuffels kunnen gebruiken. Woensdag weer fysio en hopelijk nieuws dat de operatie de gewenste resultaat heeft geleverd. Dan hard werken naar herstel - deze oma handen/armen willen weer functioneren na toebehoren. komt goed!

Well, long time no news. My word what a year it has been. Filled with los of excitement, anticipation, organisation and happy memories. The two months with my Australian grandson just flew by. I've managed to capture some of our adventures and placed videos on YouTube under the name OmaFarAway! Great to look back on and share. After he left it was time for extra attention for neglected housework, friends and preparation for the visit of my dear friend Annette from New Zealand.

After re-couperating from the trip and an eight day stay in Nederland, Annette and I embarked on a Welsh adventure (also to see on YouTube). What a fabulous summer we experienced. Next year Annette herself will experience being an OmFarAway when her daughter, son in law and granddaughter will travel Europe over a 2 year period. Living in NZ she is often a 'stand-in' and go between for presents and such for my (grand)children there. So handy. 

Once home I needed to get my skates on once again on the household front as I was scheduled for a hand operation later that month. I wanted to prepare things to be able to handle being a 'one armed housewife' for the coming 3 months. Plans don't always work out. A few days after my return I received a phone call- 'if I could avail myself the next day for the operation'. I had little time to decide. Why not? I wanted a quick process. My daughter in law is pregnant - so OmaFarAway needs strong hands to hug and to hold. Plans to make another visit always in the pipeline- now even more so!

The operation 'went well' according to the operating specialist. Unfortunately rehabilitation has hit a snag. Oh how a child's cuddle would have helped soften the disappointment - then the distance is so much wider! I'm behind schedule in the process for the return to the use of my hand. The perceived 12 weeks will now possibly be 14. Next Wednesday back to physiotherapy to find out whether the operation has succeeded despite te wee setback. This oma wants her hands to bake, cuddle, write and do stuff for and with her (grand)children.

I'm gunning for a visit either end this year or early next (which is probably more realistic). To hug, hold and cuddle. To congratulate and celebrate my grandson with his new job, to bake, cook and play. Onward and upward said the warrior- and that's what I am going for! This oma is taking on the challenge.

Aftellen - the countdown continues!

Het aftellen in weken is begonnen- nog 12 weken en dan zit 'Omaverweg' in een vliegtuig en komt ze steeds dichterbij. Ik krijg er zo af en toe de kriebels van. Je zou denken dat ik nooit eerder zo'n reis hebt gemaakt. Het gevoel doet mij denken aan het moment dat mijn jongste zoon vader werd voor de tweede keer.

Ik was bij een boek presentatie en had mijn telefoon op 'trillen' gezet omdat ik de toespraken niet wilde storen maar ook het bericht van mijn zoon niet wilde missen. Het moment was al aangebroken dat het elke moment geboren kon worden. En ja hoor- net op het moment de de schrijver zijn boek ging overhandigen aan de aangewezen 'eerste' ontvanger, trilde mijn telefoon.

Ik liep snel uit de zaal en drukte op de groene knop. In het Engels brabbelde ik van vreugde met mijn zoon - en feliciteerde ik hem en zijn partner met de geboorte van hun dochter. De opluchting en vreugde was zo groot dat de tranen over mijn wangen liepen terwijl ik jubelent hen toesprak. In de zaal waar ik mij bevond zou de receptie gehouden worden. Er liepen mensen rond die van alles aan het voorbereiden waren. Iemand tikte mij op mijn schouder- en vroeg of er iets aan de hand was.

Met bevende stem vertelde ik over de geboorte - en dat het zo ver weg was dat ik er niet bij kon zijn. Meerdere mensen ( vooral vrouwen) kwamen erbij staan en ik deed in kort mijn verhaal- Er kwam een glas wijn aan want hier moest op gedronken worden. Toen de vraag: " is dit uw eerste kleinkind mevrouw?" Nou nee, de 8ste! Maar het blijft spannend, mooi en emotioneel was mijn antwoord. Een jongere vrouw die erbij was komen staan zei, " Oh dat belooft wat dan. Mijn dochter is net zwanger van de eerste. Ga ik me dan elke keer zo voelen?"

En zo voel ik de emoties en voorbereidingen van deze reis. Het blijft mooi, emotioneel en spannend. Elke keer weer.

Kids, oma komt eraan hoor! Ik ben er helemaal klaar voor.

It is January 2017. I can finally start the countdown in weeks instead of months. Another 12 weeks and I will be winging my way Down Under to hug and hold those dear to me. I can't wait and the excitement is building. Anyone would think this is a trip of a lifetime- that I haven't been to see my children and  grandchildren before. Nothing is further from the truth. I have had a number of trips to visit them since my return to Nederland in 2000. The excitement is as precious and present as in the previous preparation times before my intended flights. I am reminded of another precious moment which illustrates this even more.

A few years ago I attended a book presentation in Nederland whilst knowing my daughter in law had started labour in Aotearoa. For obvious reasons I was not able to be there for them- but to be able to be in touch was as precious to me so I made sure I wouldn't miss the phone call once the baby was born. I placed the phone in my bra and had the settings on tremble. There was no way I was going to miss this precious call. As 'fate' would have it, right at the moment of presentation of the book, the phone went.

I hurried out the room into the reception area and took the call. Teary and emotional I spoke with my son and partner- a wee daughter had been born to them. All was well. After some more information and the call being ended I felt a tap on my shoulder. One of the woman who was responsible for the reception asked me if anything was wrong. I assured her my tear streaked cheeks were happy ones and explained what had happened. A wine glass was pressed into my hands and all of a sudden I was toasting my granddaughter's arrival with total strangers. One of the women asked, " is this your first grandchild?" to which I replied, " no, my 8th. But no matter how many, the joy, emotions and experience stays special." She told me then, that her daughter was pregnant with her first (grand) child and she was happy to know that each subsequent birth could bring as much joy as the first.

And that's my experience with my impending journey. The previous ones brought as much joy, anticipation and nervousness as this one does.

Onward and upward- the countdown continues. Omaverweg- is getting ready to go!

Spending time with the grandchildren

It is summer holiday time here in Nederland. Even the politicians have called a summer halt to their activities - and rightly so. Everyone deserves a break to recharge their batteries.

It is also noticable that newspapers are thinner as newsy articles are not as prevalent as in 'working' hours so to speak! On tv there are re-runs of 'old masters' and lots of entertainment for the younger generation in the form of films and such.

This morning at breakfast I quickly snatched a brief look in the morning paper when I stumbled on a 'summer filler'. An article on grandparents who have availed themselves to have the grandchildren stay over while the mums and dads are at work.

Yes, I get a tug at my heartstrings - but this is only short lived as the reality check kicks in.

Anyway, it wasn't so much the 'staying over' but the comment at the end that was comforting to read. At the close of each interview the grandparents commented on their 'fatigue' at the end of each day having spent amusing and entertaining their grandchild/children.

When I visit my 'grandies' Down Under, I spend lots of time with them. I try to make each day count. Time spent with them is short but valuable and intense. Yes, they have their school, sports and friends activities- but there is time to just 'be' with me. Whether I drop them off, accompany them to their other activities or spend time at home with them - we can be together.

It is a super luxurious privilege that I have my own apartment where I can stay- so I too can 'invite' the children to breakfast or dinner. Another possibility is that i cook at their granddad's home- and the children all come for tea there. So much fun and gives me such a warm feeling and joy.

At the end of the day I am generally 'whacked'. Yes, I dare to admit my weakness- I am drained and weary. This bothered me for ages - but now, I am liberated. Other grandparents are tired too. Here I was thinking it was because I am 'out of practice' but it is NORMAL.

So to all you wonderful, super nans and grans, omas and opas. Enjoy, and know - you are AMAZING! And to all those grandies everywhere- enjoy the time your grandparents spend with you - they are true heros.

I am recharging my batteries - will need to be totally perked up for when my next opportunity arrises.

Time out- busy busy busy!

Omaverweg hasn't been very active in writing in her (this) blog.

It isn't because she has run out of things to write about- but 'life' got really hectic these past weeks.
And isn't that the nature of things- in the real world.

Even when living close, oma visits and 'together stuff' doesn't happen every day. Except maybe for those oma's who live next door- down the street or have 'look after' days all sorted.

What I do get and send are the Snapchats to my (old enough to send to and get from) grandchildren.

While out on a drive through the countryside I send pictures and even short video clips of the meadows, the windmills and farm buildings. That way I feel they are along for the ride and seeing the sights I am seeing too.

I was chatting with a friend yesterday- 5 grandchildren live close- and 4 at a distance. They come and go and visit often. She also looks after them when necessary. The stories and experiences she shares with me - do tug at my heart strings - on the other hand - I feel grateful she DOES share and I get a 'look in' on her time with the kiddies. When a grandchild is on the way I am kept in the loop with developments and receive the happy news as soon as the happy event has happened. That way I too share in her joy as she does in mine.

Others have the urge to 'protect' me from feeling sad. So they avoid these wee stories to try not to make me feel bad about being so far away. I then miss out on their growth and development- by not hearing about the adventures. It is like a sword- cuts both ways.

I thank my lucky stars I have WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, E-mail, Messenger and Snapchat to mention a few option, available to me to keep my communication channels open and am able to stay 'close-by'.

What once was a life long separation has now become a way of life for millions of people who travel the world, resettle elsewhere and start their lives anew. Whether of their choosing or a decision based on survival.

Oma's ver weg - we ROCK! We aren't a rare species but a common factor in todays world.