To be upset that DM is moving 7 hours away

[Smarshian]

So DM and Step Dad currently live around 1 hour away and visit often (approx 1-2 times per month) for sometimes an afternoon, or a day, occasional overnights.
They have just announced that they are moving 7 hours away. It’s a dream of theirs and I REALLY don’t begrudge them. The place looks amazing and it really is a wonderful place to be, but I am SO gutted that they won’t be around to see the kids more often and just to see them myself. They are not young, 70s, and have not thought about how they might need help in years to come.
we have 2 young DC (4&5) who are going to miss out on so much time
with their grandparents. AIBU to be absolutely gutted by this announcement

I can understand your upset. My parents moved 2 hours away shortly after I returned to the area they lived in, and where I grew up, after about 4 years away.

If you've got the right sort of relationship with your mum, I might just throw into conversation that you're simply not going to be able to pop over for any reason. And even in the worst of worst case emergencies, you're still 7+ hours away.
They need to be thinking of, and making a "worst case" plan, now. And NOT when the shit hits the fan. They need to be confident that they can cope with unforeseen events.

What an interesting post. I'm the one who followed her dream and moved halfway around the world. My parents are a 17 hour door to door journey away. I rarely go home but they visit me twice a year for 2/3 sometimes 4 weeks (they're retired now)

Could your mum come to visit you?

YABU. They have fewer years to enjoy than you do, so after a lifetime of family commitments they’ve chosen to live life for themselves. Be happy for them. Your DC can still have a relationship with them if you choose to facilitate it.

I hope your mum is not being pressured into the move. I also hope they have links to the area to which they are relocating. It's not an easy thing to do at any age, but for retired people it is more difficult to establish contacts and make new social groupings. If one of them becomes ill, which at their ages is looming up, they will face great difficulties with family so far away. This will also put you under stress, feeling guilty you can't take them to medical appts, visit if they are in hospital etc. However, it is their choice but so sad for you and your children.

I just don't understand people who move miles away from young grandchildren. Why?? For what??

I don’t expect masses from her, but I will not be prepared to be giving lots of time and support to her in 10 years time if she has chosen to move 7 hours away

That's the one. The sentence that did it for me.

Nice one, OP

YANBU to be upset. They must know you will be as well to not have told you until just before its a done deal.

The children will get used to not seeing them but i agree it is sad for you and your children, but you can facilitate a good relationship by Skype etc for them.

And yes it will be difficult when they need help but they must have considered this too - and decided its worth it.
Just try and build up freind parent networks with mutual support.

Because they have a life of their own? For many, life revolves round grandchildren but then you find the DIL on here moaning about it.