Forlorn Hope
Foss Iona
Jonathan and Denise >
After we bought Casa Los Fueros – our home in Navarra – almost a year ago, we knew we would not be able to stay there – or anywhere else in Spain – for more than three months in any six months, with a maximum of 182 days (ie one day less than six months) in total per year. Howevere that was academic, since we had – we have – so many commitments back home in Scotland. However, our holiday/tourist season in Uist is short, and the winters very long, so we had in mind to spend up to three months a year in Navarra – if a practicable means of doing so could be devised. Two months in Autumn, and then a four-week stay in February – before we start sowing and planting the garden. It’s that February trip that we now know is a forlorn hope – at least for this year. The thought of not seeing our family – and in particular of not seeing little Enaut, who is developing so fast! – makes us feel desperate. We must, though, remind ourselves of our good fortune to be able to visit at all, let alone have a lovely place of our own to stay for such a long time : just think of those families from the islands who saw their grown children sail away from the pier to start a new life in America or Canada, Australia or New Zealand, never to see them or hold them again, except to shed tears over the occasional letters. And never to see their grandchildren. And that that’s a story that even today is written anew by so many families of all people and nations of the world ; though of course these days they travel not with ink and paper to write home, but a smartphone. Just like Catherine, Ion and Enaut, the flame of kinship is kept alight these days through WhatsApp.
You’re wondering, aren’t you, what relevance the photo, of Foss Iona has to do with this. Absolutely nothing, other than the fact that caring for our animals and meeting their needs keeps us thinking in the present, and not dwelling too much on disappointments.
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So sorry! How disappointing for you. No easy solution is right. Our children must live the lives they want, and sometimes—oftentimes in Maine—that involves moving away. Because we live on a shoe-string budget, we cannot travel. Fortunately, our New York daughter comes home four times a year and usually stays a week each time. Unfortunately, our North Carolina daughter comes home only once a year. Sigh.
Boy, was this a timely post! My son and his family are now living in the western part of the country. Opportunities to see them and our precious little 18 month old granddaughter, Violet, are somewhat infrequent. Every couple of months but requires flying here and there. Of course, like yourselves, we have a farm and nursery to run and much work that keeps us home-bound. This is the the reality and you are so thoughtful to remind us of those times when families and loved ones parted (back in the day) and when communication was very limited. Luckily, we do see this little trio every two months, sometimes flying them here, back home to Maine, where they can see both sides of their family and their friends. But, little ones sure do grow quickly and the everyday changes we miss. Dang! Life surely is accepting ‘what is’ and appreciating the same. Thanks for the thoughtful post!
J & D > We’re glad you found that helpful. There’s no easy solution, is there.