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...Across The Miles

Text Box: The Problems of Long-Distance Grandparenting Or ‘Thank Heavens for the Internet & Skype’ My daughter gave birth to her third son in mid-June (just a couple of weeks before Michael’s Adam made his debut.) They named him Reuben Lewis, and he weighed in at a healthy 9lb 7oz. Reuben is a first generation kiwi. His 2 brothers, Henri (5) and Elliott (4) were both born in the UK, in Derby to be precise, before their parents flew them off to New Zealand to start a new life. Having held both Henri and Elliott when they were just a few hours old, it was sad for me knowing that it would be a good while before I would be able to bond with my newest grandson. But that’s where the internet helps more than a little. With the wonders of technology, I could see photos of Reuben within hours of them being taken. And above all, with Skype I can talk to my daughter, son-in-law and Henri & Elliott for free. I was listening to Reuben laughing only this weekend. The special treat though is the video connection. With the PC-Cams plugged in I can see as well as hear them all, even though they are on the other side of the planet. I know it’s not the same, but it will keep me going until I can get out there to see them all. Roland Gray.

Henri Reuben Elliott