Posted on by Jacquie Biggar

Empty Nesters for the second, or is it third time? #Familyfirst #Chasingthedream #mgtab


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This post is bittersweet. One week from today, DH and I will say goodbye to our daughter and grandson as she leaves to begin her graduate studies in marine biology– across the country!

But, this isn’t the first time.

When she graduated from high school she said goodbye to our hometown, the town five generations of family on the maternal side called home, and moved eight hours and one province away. There, she worked, made friends, and raised her son for five years before deciding to go after her dream of becoming a marine biologist. She applied to university and was accepted!

 

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We were so proud of her! But now, she was even further away, twelve hours and a ferry ride. We made the decision to move closer so that we could support her and see our grandson grow up.

Then, two years later the unthinkable happened– he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

Those who know me, know how difficult and life-changing this has been for all of his family. There has to be constant care for T1D kids, and yet my daughter managed to not only learn everything from the dangers of the disease but how to manage it and allow him to enjoy a normal life.

From the JDRF website

Needs Constant Attention

Living with T1D is a constant challenge. People with the disease must carefully balance insulin doses (either by injections multiple times a day or continuous infusion through a pump) with eating and daily activities throughout the day and night. They must also test their blood sugar by pricking their fingers for blood six or more times a day. Despite this constant attention, people with T1D still run the risk of dangerous high or low blood sugar levels, both of which can be life-threatening. People with T1D overcome these challenges on a daily basis.

 

And through all of that, she worked hard at school and came out with a Bachelor of Science Degree with Honors this summer!

 

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But, her dream beckoned and she applied to universities to continue her graduate program working toward a PHD.

And once again, she was accepted! This time on the opposite coast in Newfoundland!

 

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I’m excited and worried. Will the healthcare system be as good there as it is here? Will they find a nice place to live? How cold are the winters? We’re from Alberta, so we’re used to -30, but I’ve heard some crazy stuff about northeasters that makes me pray she has a reliable vehicle. Will he like the school there? Will they know how to help him if he needs it?

They’re driving across Canada to get there, so I’m going to be sick the entire time. Yet, imagine the things they’ll see, the memories they’ll make.

It’s going to be a long two or three years, but God, I love them and wish them the very best.

28 Replies to “Empty Nesters for the second, or is it third time? #Familyfirst #Chasingthedream #mgtab”

  1. It’s never easy to have them leave home, Jacquie, but you have special conditions to be concerned with on top of it. Do you see a move in your future? ❤ I can imagine the heartache you must feel right now, and pride, too. What a lovely picture of she and her son. Best of luck to all of you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Mary. Yes, I have a real cocktail of emotions brewing in my chest right now. A lot of fear but she’s smart and wise beyond her years, I know they’ll be fine. (Doesn’t stop the praying though!)
      No, I think we’ve done our last move. We brought my mom out to the island when we came and we’re all happy to be here.
      I was just thinking the other day… he could be driving the next time we see him!
      Crazy 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I have one kid on the West Coast and one on the East Coast. I’m kind of stuck in the middle of them. I sure can relate. I was devastated last year when my youngest announced his wife’s job relocation. Hang in there. That’s about all we can do.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. I enjoyed hearing about your daughter’s accomplishments, Jacquie! I can feel the pride you have for her in your words! And that picture of your daughter and her son says it all- so much love and tenderness. I wish her – and you- lots of easy transitions ahead! ♥️

    Liked by 1 person

  4. But a crazy mix of sad and happy is what we need. In short, every body needs to revisit their emotional storehouse at different intensities. I call it It staying in touch with our emotions. Sometimes I need a good cry; other times, I need a good laugh.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Jodie,
      Yeah, you could have knocked me over with a feather when they told us. I’m so happy she’s getting this opportunity, but sad, too.
      Thanks for stopping by the blog 🙂

      Like

  7. Oh, Jacquie, your post brims with love. I think we worry about our kids and grandkids until they’re old and white-haired, and type 1 diabetes adds a whole level of concern. One of my nephews is T1D. He’s in his late twenties now and managing fine. Your grandson will too. Congrats to your daughter for her degree and all her hard work. I love the photos of the two of them. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Diana. I guess that’s part of the gift of children, worrying about their welfare.
      I took great heart by the news of your nephew. T1D terrifies me, but my daughter has taught my grandson well. He handles most crisis in stride, thank goodness!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Kids are resilient and learn to live with the pricks and injections. The main thing with my nephew was getting it through his teenage skull that he needed to keep it up even when he was feeling good and it was inconvenient. A determined girlfriend on his case helped a lot. 😀

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Yes, my grandson is eleven ( had diabetes since 7 ) and tends to live in his online games. His mom is always telling him to focus and do what needs done, lol. He has a CGM, it’s been a godsend for all of us.

          Liked by 2 people

  8. Congratulations to your daughter Jacquie! And I know the problem of living with that diabetes as one of my friend’s daughter suffers from the same illness. It really is stressing as they can’t seem to stabilize it at the moment.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Aw, I feel so bad for them. There’s so many factors that affect the highs and lows, it’s scary.
      My grandson has been T1D for three years now and it changes all the time. I worry as my daughter is a single mother. I have no idea how she manages the 24/7 care involved.
      Sending thoughts and prayers to your friend’s family {{hugs}}

      Liked by 1 person

        1. Aw, you made me cry. Thank you, my friend. I needed that. She was just texting me because my grandson keeps crashing (diabetic lows) and she’s worried.
          Things like that makes it hard to be separated, though there’s little I can do but pray.
          Thanks for your support, it means a lot ❤️

          Liked by 1 person

  10. It was great to see them and to be their first stop on an amazing journey! The worry will never stop and you forever pray for them and there safety, but, the pride you must feel has got to be enormous. Much love to all of your family

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for all that you’ve done for them over the years! DH and I will be forever grateful to you.
      It’s hard to imagine he could be driving by the time we see him again. Our hearts are heavy and happy at the same time.
      Love you, too ❤

      Like

  11. I am sure this is very hard for you, Jacquie. My husband and I [and our children] are looking at relocating to the UK from South Africa next year. It is really hard to leave family behind. It is also difficult managing children with chronic illnesses. Your daughter is a strong woman.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s a big decision, Robbie. I’m sure your family will miss you horribly.
      That’s the thing with moving so far, too, it’s not a simple thing to hop a plane to visit them.
      Sometimes, there is no choice. You have to do whatever is best for you and figure out the rest later.
      Thank goodness for the technology that allows us to stay close even if we’re thousands of miles apart!

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