Sixty years ago, my grandmother left her entire family in Vermont to go to nursing school in New York and would later end up falling in love in Florida. She married and had 4 children (3 boys & 1 girl) all under 5 years old while working nights, full-time. Meanwhile, her parents were back home in Bristol, Vermont running the family mill. She was lucky to see her family once-a-year in the summer when they drove up in a station wagon for the long road trip; interstates didn’t exist then. She’s a strong woman and I admire her strength every day, especially when I’m feeling overwhelmed and homesick.
I am also raising my child away from my family, but am fortunate enough to do it in the 21st century. Long distance, what’s that? Jackson knows how to turn on my iPhone and doesn’t think twice about being able to call his Grandma on it and “FaceTime.” He even Skyped my stepdad from the hospital at one day old!
Today made me realize how lucky we are for technology. This morning, my Grandma Skyped us from vacation on Colorado then my Mom Skyped us from Florida. During dinner, Jackson Skyped some of his buddies from South Carolina, Vermont and New Hampshire. I’m so grateful that my family can see Jackson grow up, even if it is on the computer. I can’t imagine doing this sixty years ago, like my Grandma did.
Over the weekend, my parents had a neighborhood party and they Skyped Jackson in. He is such a ham and loves showing off for anyone on Skype, enjoy the video!
Last Day! 
OMG he is so stinking cute.
1. He took some steps didn’t he?
2. He’s cute
3. He has that toddler gibberish that I PINK PUFFY HEART
4. Glad we could skype tonight! We will have to have another date soon
5. How do you keep him from closing the laptop?! That’s all he wants to do to mine!
Thanks Katie! I see you got a gravatar now, huh? Jackson doesn’t want to close the laptop because that would mean whomever is on the other line couldn’t see him! He’s all about the audiences.
I hear ya! I keep thinking about women who had “traveling” salesmen as husbands in the ’60s. Technology makes it much better.
You have all your Gaga’s strength – Jackson is very lucky to have such a strong Mom!
I love posts with video! He is such a cute little skype pro! We just started skyping with my in-laws and brother, and it feels so good to know that JD and O are going to have strong relationships with them even though we don’t get to see them often. We are lucky!