Staying Together, Despite the Miles

As Noodle’s fifth birthday approaches, flashbacks keep appearing that remind me of those dark days during her first year of life.  Even after she came home from the hospital, we were far from out of the woods.  For one thing, she had a nasogastric feeding tube and was being fed via pump every four hours around the clock.  Which left precious little time for leaving the house– the byproduct of which meant we were stuck at home day after day, during the long dark winter, feeding.  It was lonely.  My only entertainment was taking pictures of her all day long, poor thing.

To top it off, my parents lived 6 hours away in Boston.  They missed their granddaughter immensely, and we missed them!  Since they couldn’t move down here, and we couldn’t leave the house, we had to find another solution to keep in touch.  Enter the magic that is Skype.  Suddenly we could talk everyday, for free, via VIDEO!  They could watch their beloved granddaughter smile, crawl, talk, GROW.  They were even enchanted watching her sleep.  I’m not stretching the truth when I say we would keep in touch via Skype every single day.  That easy communication made it feel as if my parents were right there with me, by my side.  It was lifesaving, emotionally.  For all of us, I think!

Nowadays we still use Skype, often daily.  My kids wiggle and dance and talk about their day.  Their grandparents read with them and sign songs.  It’s hard to believe we only see each other a few times a year in person, because we are so very connected thanks to Skype.  My son and his grandfather talk about trains, and my daughter shows her grandmother all her latest art projects.  They’ve always known their grandparents despite the many miles.  It’s pretty miraculous how close we’re able to stay, thanks to this newfangled technology stuff.  😉

There are so many incredible stories of how Skype is keeping us connected, and you can see some of them (or submit your own) on the Stay Together site: http://skypestaytogether.com

Just those thumbnail photos put a lump in my throat, knowing how it feels to see someone you love right there in front of you, no matter how far the distance. Here’s a cool story of how a family can mean many things:

Isn’t that amazing?  And now don’t you want a kangaroo?  Just a little bit?

Every time I open up the computer, my kids beg me to Skype with Yiayia and Grampie.  They know how important is to keep in touch, and wow, what a way to do it.

In this age of technology many of us are attached to texts and emails instead of hearing someone’s voice or seeing their face.  But Skype has made our lives better– it allows us to reach out and really see one another.  To stay together, even if we’re 500 miles away.  Or 7,000 miles, such as when my husband travels to India.  Truly incredible, life-changing, GOOD stuff!

Who do you stay connected with on Skype?  Any great stories to share?

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