Tell you SIL's family that it could be worse --- your SIL could be in the military and be transferred somewhere new every two to two-and-a-half years. My father was career Army, and we did that, including living in Europe. As a kid, it's always an adventure; it's always a bummer to leave your friends when you move; but you always make new friends in your new locale. It's good for kids, too, because they learn adaptability. It can help the kids in their future careers. Besides, you (and your SIL's family) can always go for a visit!

He is actually moving closer to his family in Louisiana. They will settle in the Ft Worth area, which he loves. Our daughter will love it too. They were not fans of living in a big city, and I don't blame them.

I'm sure you will miss them and miss them. I hope the house sells fast so they don't need to live apart for long. Good luck to your SIL in his new job!

It's terrible though, isn't it? It starts when they go off to kindergarten! My DIL and I exchanged sad looks when I noticed *hair* on our DGS's arms this summer. (He's ten and a half.) Silly women! Sob!

Best of luck to your family!

Yes, Best of luck to you and your family. When our military family moved to Oklahoma...from Ca., we bought a motorhome and became traveling grandparents every summer. Gosh, we showed so much of the West and Mid-West to those boys. Some of my most precious memories, and it helped the Mom and Dad out child-sitting-wise during the long (but short for us) summer vacation. My photo albums tell (and remind me) of years well spent. If ever there were "do overs" in life....I would do that again ssooooo quickly. (And write a book!)

Fort Worth is a really nice city (and home to me). Come visit and ask them to take you downtown to Sundance Square :-)

It is sad. I feel for you, nothing is as treasured as the closeness of family. That you put their well being first shows what a good parent you are.

From what I have been seeing, Texas always comes up on top in regard to employment and career growth.

It is sad that due to our economy, young people have to relocate far from family and friends in order to support themselves.

Try to book a few short visits, so you have something to look forward to, and maybe pitch in to help the family adjust.

It's not the same, but face to face time will become your friend!

((((Hugs))))

Lucille said: It is sad. I feel for you, nothing is as treasured as the closeness of family. That you put their well being first shows what a good parent you are.

Well said, Lucille.

In my 20's I took off for a 2-year adventure in a third world country. My mother not once gave me a hint that she didn't want me to go, but certainly she was experiencing heartache and concern.

We give our kids roots and wings. Sending you a hug Sheila. Of course you are happy for their independence and success, but you will miss them. Was your mother around when you were moving around the country as a young wife and mother?

I can only imagine how you feel. Having grandchildren move away would be the pits. Nanny had a great suggestion--maybe it will work for you. Texas has always been on my short list of most favored places to visit or to relocate. All the best for you and them in the transition.

Thanks, everyone, for your empathy. Socks, my mother died when I was 12 and my father died when I was 20. My younger sister and I are close. All 4 of us siblings have lived long past the age of our parents. We always comment on that every birthday that comes along.

"It is sad that due to our economy, young people have to relocate far from family and friends in order to support themselves."

I'm not sure what you have in mind but the economy has been on a strong uptick for the last 5+ years. Those looking for work have to be prepared with today's skills. Those looking for yesterday's jobs and having only yesterday's skills will have problems. I'd be surprised if this young couple faced a lack of job opportunities in Southern California. It sounds like a move for lifestyle and family reasons.

Sheilajoyce, good luck to you and to them. Fortunately, getting to DFW is easy, now you have a reason to do some traveling. Schedule regular visits.

well we left san diego for Detroit mi and never looked backed. I don't care for heat, so it would have been a big gulp to move to texas, but jobs with good salaries and benefits are hard enough to come by...my mother who lived in vegas would fly back for 2-3 weeks...it worked out. and with all the social media these days you can see instant pictures, ect...

if this is a corporate move you might suggest to see what the company might do to start the relocation as soon as possible. thank goodness your grands are as young as they are...our move was quite a trauma with 2 in hs and the twins in middle school...

oh one secret? found out the company would pay for the move, we had the moving co hire a cleaner to leave the house ready for the buyer...lot less stress!!

Who knows, maybe you will fall in love with Texas too! It is true that technology makes distance seem shorter, but you can't hug through Skype.

One thought - There are often very few houses on the market during the holiday season, so the ones that are get looked at. I'd advise them to get it on the market.

Tell them good luck from me. There's never a "good" time to move. My sister once moved during the week between Christmas and New Years.

I'm sorry part of your family is going to be further away now, but that just gives you an excuse to travel more--I wish them well. Houses here in San Jose are still selling like hotcakes so I don't imagine they'll have too much trouble selling theirs.

It's also so much fun to send care packages, especially to the kiddos.