We live in the Pacific Northwest, and our son and daughter and their family live far away, in Southern California and Nebraska. Three days ago our son and daughter-in-law had a boy, their third child and second son. Unfortunately, we were not able to attend as we had with their older son and our Godson.
Our respective budgets don't allow for much travel, but that doesn't mean our grandkids don't know us. We speak to our granddaughters quite frequently on the phone. Our 2 1/2 year old Nebraskan grandson is beginning to like to talk to his "gumama and gumpapa", while our oldest granddaughter chatters away happily to us. I make a practice of sending postcards every now and again to the granddaughters and little surprise boxes filled with fun, inexpensive toys. We found a bar of soap that also flashes light from an LED buried in the soap (I think), and our oldest granddaughter always wants to know if we are sending them "more flashy-soap" soon.
Our kids are very much into us having as much contact with the grandkids as possible, and are always filling us in about ballet, soccer, parties, and their everyday lives. Even though we can't be there in body very often, when we are, we are not strangers to our grandkids.

That is so great that even living so far a way that you still make sure to develop the kind of relationship that you want and it sounds like a good one.

That's a good thing, I have a similar experience, my mom who lives in another country calls us and speaks to my son, even though he doesn't speak much yet.

Webcams are also a great way to keep in touch. It helps for the little ones to see their loved ones also.

Originally Posted by EviesEarth

Webcams are also a great way to keep in touch. It helps for the little ones to see their loved ones also.

This is what I was going to mention too, yes. Letters and phone calls are great, but with a cam you can see the movement, facial expressions, and so on, and it can be great for the kids ... AND grandparents.

Two years ago my husband was traveling a lot for work. My sons missed him so much, but the webcam made it so much more bearable for them.

yes webcams are great. We live pretty much on the other side of the world from my parents, so seeing their grandkids is not going to happen often. But as previous poster stated, being far away do not been that you can't be a great grandparent.

I think that is great. Yo me it is so important to have contact with them noe matter how far away they live.

That is lovely. I am sure that the children and grandchildren know that you love them very much and really appreciate your efforts. It must be very hard for you but it sounds like you are doing the best that you can.

You sound like such great grandparents, and it is wonderful to hear that despite the long distance relationship with your grandkids they do not see you as strangers at all. It must take quite some effort on your part to always do your best to keep in touch and call once in a while, but I am certain that once your whole family finds a chance to get together in a reunion of some sort, that these little grandchildren of yours will be raising through that door and to finally give you a hug. It's a very exciting thought, and you should plan for a reunion some time.