5sweeties Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 We drive a big old, gas guzzling Suburban, and since we moved 800 miles from "home," 2.5 years ago, we've only been back home 2 times. Times have been tough for us, economically, for those last couple years. We have struggled hard to come up with the hundreds of dollars that we needed to drive the whole way. We have an exceptionally close family, on both mine and dh's sides. The grandparents, and great-grandparents, are all together in our home town. Some of the brothers, sisters, and nieces, and nephews are there too. We love our families, and miss them. My dh's grandmother just had major cancer surgery this week. This is the grandmother who shares a first name with one of my daughters. A pretty special lady. My grandmother has alzheimer's and is getting very old. My parents will be alone this year, with my grandmother, as my brother and his wife and kids are leaving town, and my mom's sister is leaving town too. I'm feeling rather home sick, and just did the math and realized that it would only cost us about 180 dollars in gas to get there and back this Thanksgiving! That's a third of what it cost us last time we were up there. We live in an area of the country where heavy winter weather is a big factor, but it is suppose to be pretty nice, for the most part, next week. But, that's always a gamble...and a worrisome one, with 5 kids in the car. I just keep thinking about the opportunity to have a weekend with the grandparents, and a few of my girls' cousins, whom they totally adore. We never, never do stuff like this. We are those "ultra responsible, ultra boring" type people. But, responsible and boring is good when it comes to the checkbook and staying safe! So, would you go, or would you stay?? We haven't had a holiday with family for years...it would be really "weird!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 For the opportunity to see my grandmother before dementia/health issues get too bad, YES, definitely. I'd go without Christmas presents for that opportunity. If you have a loving family, that's a rare treasure, and worth the time and money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 Go, go, go, go --- GO! Be smart. Watch the weather. Have a safety kit in your car. And go. I think I regret more what I haven't done in life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthwestMom Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 Go Go go! You never know how things can change in the future. If you can spend time with family now, do it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 Go. It doesn't sound like you'll regret it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5sweeties Posted November 20, 2008 Author Share Posted November 20, 2008 Ok...with tears in my eyes, because you are all speaking what's in my heart...I'm off to try to put together a smart way to lay this out for dh. He's even more "responsible and boring" than I am! But, he's worrying to death about his grandma right now...so I think it could be a rather easy sell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMindy Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 I'd go for sure! I love being with my family and I would make sacrifices to get there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbeyej Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 Definitely go! You've done the math, it's not irresponsible, and it sounds like you'll *absolutely* be glad you had this family time together (whereas staying home could mean a lot of regret)... I think it's a wonderful idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer3141 Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 I'd be packing the car right now! Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 If you want to go and have found the money, take off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bugs Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 "We live in an area of the country where heavy winter weather is a big factor, but it is suppose to be pretty nice, for the most part, next week. But, that's always a gamble...and a worrisome one, with 5 kids in the car." I know kids make us protective but you can't (or maybe you can:glare:) worry about what "might" happen. You're always safe where God wants you to be ;). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andie Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 I'd go. The kids will remember Mom and Dad taking this *whacky* out-of-character adventure forever, in addition to the time with extended family. Have a safe trip! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5kidsforME Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 We drive a big old, gas guzzling Suburban, and since we moved 800 miles from "home," 2.5 years ago, we've only been back home 2 times. Times have been tough for us, economically, for those last couple years. We have struggled hard to come up with the hundreds of dollars that we needed to drive the whole way. We have an exceptionally close family, on both mine and dh's sides. The grandparents, and great-grandparents, are all together in our home town. Some of the brothers, sisters, and nieces, and nephews are there too. We love our families, and miss them. My dh's grandmother just had major cancer surgery this week. This is the grandmother who shares a first name with one of my daughters. A pretty special lady. My grandmother has alzheimer's and is getting very old. My parents will be alone this year, with my grandmother, as my brother and his wife and kids are leaving town, and my mom's sister is leaving town too. I'm feeling rather home sick, and just did the math and realized that it would only cost us about 180 dollars in gas to get there and back this Thanksgiving! That's a third of what it cost us last time we were up there. We live in an area of the country where heavy winter weather is a big factor, but it is suppose to be pretty nice, for the most part, next week. But, that's always a gamble...and a worrisome one, with 5 kids in the car. I just keep thinking about the opportunity to have a weekend with the grandparents, and a few of my girls' cousins, whom they totally adore. We never, never do stuff like this. We are those "ultra responsible, ultra boring" type people. But, responsible and boring is good when it comes to the checkbook and staying safe! So, would you go, or would you stay?? We haven't had a holiday with family for years...it would be really "weird!" I say go! Sidenote: What kind of gas prices are you paying? 1600 miles total and all it will cost you is $180?? That is awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 5 sweeties, Did you go? :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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