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At Over the River, our goal is to provide you with great posts and products for connecting with your grown kids and grandkids.
However, sometimes the best help may come from the story of someone who is doing it well, even in the midst of a difficult season of life. We have such a story for you today.
One of our readers sent the following ‘thank you’ email in response to our ‘what would you like to see next?’ question. We’ve asked for her permission to share it with you.
In it, she thanks Over the River for the inspiration she has received to continue meaningful traditions with her grandkids. We read it, and then read it again with more than just a few tears! Oh! It was she who inspired US! And we hope her story will inspire you as well.
Dear Over the River
“Dear Over the River, your website and tips inspired me to do something that I never thought I was capable of. I will explain my situation to you first. My dear husband of 37 years passed away from cancer this past January. To my 3 grandchildren, he was “Papa”. Every summer since our oldest grandson was 2 we have taken them for a week-long camping trip. It has been our summer tradition for the past 12 years.
Last summer because of my husband being sick we couldn’t go. It left a big hole in my life and that of my grandchildren. So this spring I began contemplating could I, should I try to even continue the camping tradition.
Because of your tips and ideas, I was able to see how valuable routine is in the lives of children. So I did research on how everything works on my truck camper (since I had no clue because that was Papa’s department) and on women camping alone etc.
It inspired me and I took the plunge.
Mind you I still needed help loading my camper and my Brother walked me through a few things and gave me some pointers. Well, I’ve just finished a special week of camping alone with my grandchildren. It was emotionally hard for us the first day but we got into activities and a routine of things like the past years and made wonderful memories and talked about the great things we did on previous camping trips with “Papa”.
I believe I have started and will carry on a new tradition with my 3 beautiful grandchildren. Thank you, Over the River for your inspiration!”
Encouragement
Oh my, lately when I’ve been frustrated or challenged in finding opportunities to connect, I just pull up this email and instantly find new resolve. This fellow grandparent is truly creating a ‘Grand’ legacy!
We are so in love with her strength, and determination to continue a beloved tradition in a new way, and we are humbled and honored to have played a small part in her story.
May you also be encouraged by her words and find new ways to connect with your family!