Some people don’t understand our lifestyle, traveling for our grandkids. But when our daughter and her family moved to England five years ago, I felt a mix of pride and heartache. Pride, because she had the courage to follow her own path and build a life overseas. Heartache, because suddenly, my grandkids, who had lived with me since they were born, were hundreds of miles away.
I remember the quiet of our home when the kids moved out, the echo of empty rooms that once buzzed with energy. It was bittersweet. And while I wanted to see my grandkids grow, I didn’t want to rely on infrequent visits to maintain that connection.
So my husband and I made a choice that many people thought was bold? crazy? a little reckless? We sold our house. We sold nearly everything we owned. And we designed our lives to be flexible enough to spend time with our grandkids as often as possible.
Now, five years in, I can honestly say it was the best decision we’ve ever made.
Our Presence Matters
Traveling for our grandkids means being able to show up for school plays, weekend adventures, birthdays, and even quiet mornings at home has transformed how we experience family. It’s not just about being present. It’s about being fully present, choosing to make the most of every laugh, every hug, every shared meal.
There’s a freedom in this season of life that I didn’t anticipate. For decades, we built stability. We raised kids, managed schedules, and accumulated things. Now, we live with intention, focused on experiences rather than possessions. Travel has allowed us to witness growth, to create memories, and to participate in their lives in a way that’s active and meaningful.
And yet, the lessons go beyond family. Traveling full-time has reminded us to embrace uncertainty, adapt to the unexpected, and prioritize what matters most. Home isn’t a physical place anymore. It’s wherever the people we love are. And this new sense of home has deepened our connection to each other and to our family across the ocean.
The Challenges Are Worth the Payoff
Of course, this lifestyle comes with its challenges. Long flights, jet lag, and being away from friends, family, and a consistent home can be tough. But the rewards like shared adventures, deeper relationships, and the gift of time far outweigh the inconveniences.
If there’s one thing I hope you take from our story, it’s this: flexibility is a choice, and time is a gift. When you can design your life around the people and experiences you care about most, you don’t just witness life; you actively shape it. And for us, that has meant being a part of our grandkids’ lives in ways that are joyful, meaningful, and unforgettable.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not the things we own or the routines we follow that make life rich. It’s the people we love, the memories we create, and the time we get to spend together. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.
