 Photo by L Ellis In the last book of the Distance Families Book Series, ‘Being a Distance Grandchild – a Book for ALL Generations’, I highlight all the different circumstances that lead to a child being a Distance Grandchild. Circumstances matter. Here’s just one… "Adventure, love, or a mix of both often leads one parent to settle permanently in their partner’s country, far from their homeland. This is the reality for our three overseas-based children and, in reverse, for our Scottish son-in-law who moved to New Zealand. They are foreigners, courageously building a permanent home in a new land. For most ‘in-country’ partners, life continues much as expected. Some are deeply aware of what their partner is adjusting to, while others may not fully grasp the challenges. For the ‘import,’ the journey can be tough and sometimes lonely. Every time they open their mouths, they are reminded they are foreigners in their own home. Many report they have become more conscious of their cultural identity living abroad than they ever were in their passport country. Their children, meanwhile, grow up as fully-fledged locals, right down to their accents. In our family for example, one Distance Grandchild has a Scottish/Kiwi lilt, two speak with a cultured English accent, another two have a Southern American drawl, and no doubt, our newest grandson will pick up Chicago’s melting pot accent. 50/50 grandchildren understand, at least in theory, that they are ‘half something else.’ Some embrace this from an early age, while others are less curious. In their day-to-day lives, especially when young, the distant half of their heritage can feel foreign and hard to relate to. Their identity is naturally rooted in where they live—and that’s just fine. The migrant parent and distance grandparents often wish this ‘half something else’ played a bigger role in their narrative. However, that can change over time. A significant milestone for these children is acquiring a second passport. All my Distance Grandchildren hold New Zealand passports, in addition to their US or UK ones. The last ones received them this week – a Red Letter Day. Not all countries allow dual citizenship, making this document an incredible gift. Young children delight in the novelty of having two passports, but it’s only as they grow older that they truly appreciate the doors it opens—whether it’s access to local tuition rates for university, free medical care when visiting, an easy Gap Year destination, or simply the privilege of choosing the faster immigration queue at every airport.” Excerpt from ‘Being a Distance Grandchild – a Book for ALL Generations’ available now. Comments are closed.
|
Helen Ellis is a member or supporter of:
|
|
|
|
|
|