To be sad about my dad?

[goingmadinthecountry]

He's my only direct relative. He's 83 and off to France till spring with his wife. Just came over tonight to say goodbye. Of course I'm thrilled he's still healthy enough to play tennis and walk, work a bit etc. Can still hold a decent conversation about Mussolini/philosophy?benefits of Latin at school. Am happy he's re-married after mum had cancer for many many years and he's living a full and happy life. But this time was the first time I cried (after he left of course!) - just seems such a long time at his age. I don't remember it making me this sad before.

[hmc]

My parents are the same age - I get it. Can you get over for a visit or two?

[NorfolkBroad]

I understand how you feel. My parents live mostly in France and this summer I thought they were going to stay there permanently. I was so upset at the thought of it. I didn't say anything of course, it's their life and they love being there, good for them, but i do miss them. Fortunately they did come back. It's especially hard if your dad is your only family. I hope you can visit him.

[goingmadinthecountry]

Maybe - but without sounding wimpy dh works abroad and I have 4 dcs. Two have public exams in Jan. I'm sure we can find a long weekend. Live in the sticks but now dd1 can drive I don't feel so bad leaving the big ones for the weekend.

Probably just feeling a bit alone right now. That's probably the wrong attitude - a long w/e in the s of France is always good.

[KurriKurri]

I do understand how you feel, you are bound to feel sad and miss him. But I'm sure he'll be having a great time and it's wonderful he's healthy enough to enjoy life to the full.

On a practical note, do you have skype so you can talk to him regularly? (best thing I ever invested in when my DD left home )

[iceandsliceplease]

My parents mostly live in Spain and we get all wobbly and tearful every time we say goodbye, whether it's here or there, even if we know we're going to see each other again in six weeks. We email frequently and speak at least twice a week. My mum's not even sixty yet.

YADNBU I think until you're a parent yourself, you don't understand/appreciate what your parents must have felt for you, so your relationship with them becomes more emotional in turn, especially as they get older.