Many years ago, my grandmother left the country of her birth and sailed, with an infant daughter, to a new world...America. She left behind a family she loved and joined the man she loved. The child that traveled with her was joined by 5 more siblings over the years. It was hard being an immigrant and the new country was not especially kind to them. The man worked hard; the woman raised the children and did her best with what they had. The children grew and married and raised families of their own, and like their parents, some moved. I was fortunate that the child from across the sea did not move away. I had the pleasure of knowing both my maternal and paternal grandparents and experiencing many celebrations with them - holidays, birthdays, baptisms, weddings, and more over the years.

While I didn't leave the country of my birth, I did move away from my family. I followed my spouse as he sought a better job. I raised my children and traveled back home whenever I could. When children are young, there is much to do with them and for them, and that was my joy. However, children grow into adults and go their own way. Mine were no different. None live near enough to drop in for a visit, so visits are few and far between. The husband and I have to take care of each other and pray that we will both remain healthy enough to continue doing so.

But sometimes I think about our future and what it might hold. Growing old gives one much to consider.