Friends Family Are Emigrating Tomorrow.......

[PIGGYPOO]

So how do I console a Friend whose Daughter and Grandson aged 3 are emigrating to Canada tomorrow....I have no words? She absolutely dotes on her Daughter and Grandson and is in bits... Dreading tomorrow. What do you say in a situation like this? I am in tears thinking about it already x

[ummmm]

Not much you can say.

They can talk on Skype...view photo's on facebook. It's not like it used to be...

[PIGGYPOO]

I have already tried with that one! She just looked at me blankly.....:-(

[mallyh]

ummmms right , years ago when i went abroad there were only letters now the plane fares are cheaper too .

[JoolsTwo]

My Daughter went to Canada nearly 10 years ago and it broke my heart. FaceTime or Scype helped me. There is nothing you can say that will help really. Just be there fore her when she needs a cry. What part of Canada is her daughter going?

[Peter Pedant]

They'll be back soon just you wait and see
Missing mothers cooking

do NOT tell the stats that 50% Brits last a year in cold Canada
i e one winter

[ummmm]

My daughter was in Oz for 2 years. I spoke to her more than I did before she went.

The reality is probably not as bad as she imagines. Just be a friend....if she can't use Skype, teach her how to.

[Sqad]

Where is the OH?

[emmie]

that they can visit, of course it may not be possible a lot, have lots of e mail, skype, webcam, not the same i know, but it's one of the big problems, the absence of loved ones.

[emmie]

Canada even in the warmer months can get very cold at night, i know, i went and was totally unprepared for it.

[Dee Sa]

its very sad but her daughter has made a choice and has to lead her own life, be there show her how to use Skype, even if she does so at your house and start her , maybe as a gift ?, a piggy bank to save up her fare for her first visit.

[PIGGYPOO]

Thank you. Sqad her Daughters Husband is moving out there too with them - Edmonton, Alberta. My Friend has a Partner of 10 years (not her Daughters Dad)..and another daughter in her 20's and a 19 year old Son who will be a lot of comfort to her. She keeps saying we are going to miss them so much it breaks my heart x

[Sqad]

New life, new adventure and all you can say is " Best of luck"

Canada is not the end of the earth and as other people have said, technology has made them even closer.

Canada was a very popular place in which to emigrate in the 60's and 70's and if either daughter and husband have a trade or profession, they should do well.

Wish them all the best.

[PIGGYPOO]

Yes true. Her husband is a Joiner/Carpenter so should be ok over there. I just find it hard to comprehend how they can just emigrate leaving a very close family bond that they all have - her hubby is leaving his family over here too... I would be devastated if my kids emigrated...selfish I know x

[ummmm]

It's not selfish....

We bring our kids up as best we can. It's only natural to want to see them make their way in the world and witness what people they become.

I love my daughter more than ever. She's independent, funny, dimwit....:-) I'm so proud that I made her.

[Sqad]

PIGGYPOO

\\\ I just find it hard to comprehend how they can just emigrate leaving a very close family bond that they all have\\

The bottom line is "close family bond".....clearly close for the parents, but not that close for the offspring.

It is a matter of philosophy, some parents find it difficult (particularly the women) to sever the umbilical cord and live their lives for their children and grandchildren, others educate their children and then when they themselves have a life and children, play a much lesser, almost cursory role.

[PIGGYPOO]

Yes ummmm...My 17 yr old Daughter said to me last night that she could never move away from us which was quite nice. My husbands attitude is... good luck to them moving over there, if our kids wanted to do the same I would encourage them, making a better life etc.......NOT what I wanted to hear !! I think it must be a motherly thing lol x

[PIGGYPOO]

Thanks Sqad. True.

[ummmm]

I encouraged my daughter to go to Oz....

She's young (21 now) and she's learnt loads. She's come back with confidence she didn't have before.

[Laelia]

Hi Piggy,
Agree with all that has been said already. My son emigrated two years ago & although that first plane out is very emotional. All you would ever want is for them to do well & be happy. They are not ours to keep. For my son, it was the best thing he ever did. It will get easier for your friend.

[Peter Pedant]

I agree Ummm

A few people have come up to me and said, Your niece was in my year and has gone to New Zealand hasnt she ? When I said, yes he replied - worst decision I ever made to stay. A group went with her and I wish had gone.....

I felt so sorry for him.