Yet Another Long Distance Relationship

For those of you who know me, you know that Benny and I had a long distance relationship while we were dating, and also while we were engaged. Looking back, although it worked out for us, I would probably recommend agianst having a relationship in such nature. The long waits between seeing each other was torturous, not to mention our only way of communication was through the telephone. It doesn't work out for everyone, but for us, it did.

I never thought I would have another long distance relationship after Benny and I finally exchanged our vows, almost six years ago. But little did I know, long distance relationships run in my family, and it seems we are destined to such fate. My mother had a long distance relationship with her now husband: She was in California, while he was in Germany. While Benny was in New Jersey, I was finishing college here in Los Angeles. As much as she was trying to avoid doing the same thing, my sister is here in Los Angeles, while her boyfriend lives in Dallas. I know, it sounds like a planned story. But above all else, one relationship I wish it was elseways was my relationship with my mother. It's like a part of this planned story: She is in Germany, while I am here in the Golden State.

Because of that, my sister and I see her only once a year. I don't think I know another person who only sees her mother once a year. Every year, she plans her trip here to the States around March. This year is no different. While a very small part of me is excited to see her again, a big part is not. As much as I don't want to admit, I have grown accustomed to a life without her, and so have my children. This will be the first time that she will meet Abigail, who is going to be 10 months old. While I wished my children can have a great relationship with their grandmother, they will most likely see her as a stranger. While I wished I can just call my mother and ask her to babysit for me for a few hours so Benny and I may go out and enjoy some adult time, I know that will always remain a dream. While I wished my mother could see Caleb and Abigail grow up and enjoy simple moments such as watching them having breakfast together, I know she will only relish such moments in captured photographs.

It's that time of the year again--it's almost March. She is coming in less than four weeks, and will remain here until the beginning of April. I know I will enjoy my time with her--I just wished this was different.