August Newsletter

Welcome to the monthly newsletter from DistanceFamilies.com

DISTANCE FAMILIES NEWS

​The headlines seem to be focused on travel chaos as families catch up after being stuck at home for the last two years. The Northern Hemisphere summer vacation traffic and airport worker strikes have further exacerbated the problem. I can’t help but ask the question, “Where have all the ground staff, flight attendants and pilots gone?” They were there two years ago. Have they all found new careers – clever them? 

​If you’re visiting family brace yourself, pack all your medications and digital charging gear in your carry-on as there is no guarantee your luggage will travel with you. Furthermore, travellers need to be super confident with a mobile phone that works anywhere. I read you’ll likely learn about a flight disruption via the airline's app, before the attendant in the departure lounge is fully informed. 

​Closer to home, Auckland Airport has just staged a Job Fair due to the dire staffing situation  – an unprecedented initiative.
​The best news is that New Zealand is finally totally open to the world. All restrictions have been removed. It has been a long time coming and so important for Distance Families (and our economy!).

---

BOOK SERIES NEWS

T​he subtitle of my books is consistently, A Book for ALL Generations because I encourage all generations to read all books. Behind this mission is my mantra...

"With knowledge comes understanding...
with understanding comes empathy...
and empathy is a good thing for Distance Families"

On one hand I admit this is a ‘big ask’, but on the other hand great things are rarely achieved in our comfort zone. As my books are being read I am reveling in the 'ah ha' stories coming from here and there.
For example, the other day, when discussing my new Son/Daughter book with a distance grandparent couple I shared that the toughest emotion our away middle generation experience is the guilt of their left-behind family. The couple’s response indicated they weren't truly aware of this. The husband asked, “how can we lessen that guilt?”. Music to my ears!
​It is this feedback that fuels me as I want to make a difference for intergenerational Distance Families. And what was my answer? Make sure your adult child and partner know you are accepting and supportive of their move and you’re proud of them. That will be music to their ears.

​In reverse, here’s feedback from a couple of Distance Daughters who’ve recently read the Grandparent book.

​The book helped me understand how my parents may feel and how I, expat, may be able to support them. A helpful and special book that will resonate with many.

​Helen shares that she wants all generations to read her books, and I completely agree. As the distance daughter, I have learned so much. I have gleaned tips for how I will do things a little differently going forward. But most importantly I now have a deeper understanding of the experience my parents and in laws have had, I can now empathise with them and share the load a little.

If you've had a similar experience I would love to hear about it. You can email me or add a review here.

---

ON THE HOME FRONT

After our exciting travels last month, July has been decidedly low key as we recovered from COVID which involved mandated isolation. It’s rather felt like another lockdown. The only saving grace is that it is winter here with relentless rain and other friends and family suffered the same fate.

​I was pleased I felt sufficiently recovered to venture out this past weekend and attend The NZ Society of Author’s Auckland Roadshow. I have been a member of this terrific organisation for over two years but thanks to the pandemic restrictions I've never been able to attend an in-person function. It was refreshing and stimulating to mix with other authors and learn from experts.

Take care until next time
Helen Ellis

P.S. Like to automatically receive this monthly newsletter? Just register on the right of this page. Thanks