I remember my Pittsburgh-based grandparents always telling me:
“Move to Pittsburgh! DC is too far. We miss you! Everyone is moving away.”
I always told them that Pittsburgh was a possibility (Pittsburgh is my birthplace after all), but I was in graduate school. I had to finish up. Visiting them was always a priority to me. When I drove from DC to Ohio, I would stop halfway on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and say hello for a couple hours. At the end of my visits, they would urge me to come again soon.
“We miss you. We want you close.”
My grandpa passed away in January. My grandmother doesn’t know who she is anymore and is living in a retirement home less than 10-minutes away from my apartment in Pittsburgh. Their old house is just an exit away from me off the freeway.
I’m here now.
I wish this was three years ago. I feel like I just missed them.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
That hits home, girl. Your grandparents are adorable. I’m glad you’re hear now…and I think they’d be happy about it too. Let’s hang sometime!
Akirah´s last blog ..5. Notes Left Behind
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Julie Reply:
November 6th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Thank you babes! We do need to hang out!!!! Dinner sometime, yes?
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What a great granddaughter you are. You spent wonderful times with them that were a joy to them. I am sure they were/are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished. No regrets, sweetie. xoxo
Preppy 101´s last blog ..Wings
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Julie Reply:
November 6th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Thank you Preppy!
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Cute picture!
I feel the same way with my grandparents and some of my other family members.
Nikke´s last blog ..I’m still alive
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Julie Reply:
November 6th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
It’s so tough being far away. xx
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I can definitely relate! I never got to know both sets of grandparents because they lived in the UK while we all lived in the USA…once I make it here all but 1 of them have passed on. You know what though? Even if they aren’t “there” anymore, they know you made it there…grandparents have that special instinct!
Lisa´s last blog ..Holy lashes! Lash serum review:
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Julie Reply:
November 6th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
They do and it’s so comforting to know that. xx
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Oh girl, I know how you are feeling…. that’s the worst. I don’t know what to say other than I’m sorry. Sometimes life really stinks.
ClassyFabSarah´s last blog ..Happy 21st, Baby Brother!
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Julie Reply:
November 6th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
It does sometimes. I hope you’re doing okay too. I know this is a hard time for you. Much love.
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oh Julie, this hits hard. I wish I could go back in time sometimes, even for just a few minutes of how things used to be.
I’m sorry – I wish I could give you a big hug!
x
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Julie Reply:
November 6th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Me too! Virtual hugs…
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Girl you did make it and I just know they are so happy you did. Sending my prayers to you! XOXO
Gwen´s last blog ..Waiting For A Name
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Julie Reply:
November 6th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
xoxo Gwen
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I’m glad that you are there now. I know how you feel about your grandparents. I wish I had been closer too. Gah – now I’ve got tears in my eyes just thinking about them.
Mrs. Potts´s last blog ..Fabulous Friday!
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Julie Reply:
November 6th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Awww! It’s so hard to be close with everyone. Sigh.
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This just made my heart hurt. My grandma just called me yesterday to ask when I would be visiting. Now I know I need to make the trip sooner rather than later…. I’m sure in some way your grandma knows you’re there and is happy that you are.
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Julie Reply:
November 6th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Yea… in a way she does. It’s still heartbreaking. xoxo
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Oh honey this made me cry. I know how you feel. I, thankfully, had 8 months here with Nana before she passed and I am so thankful for that time. Oh this stage of life is just so dang difficult sometimes… off to dry my eyes.
Maggie´s last blog ..That really was it.
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Julie Reply:
November 6th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Aww I’m sorry I made you cry!
I hope you’re alright. You can always stop by and see my grandparents whenever! Haha – I know they’d love to have a visitor 
I know your Nana is looking down on you.
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That kind of situation is tough, and would have been even if you had moved there earlier. Seems like you spent good time with them though, and that’s what counts.
Kristan´s last blog ..Quotes and links for the writerly minded
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