My dad was supposed to come up here for Thanksgiving from Boca Raton, Florida. I have been calling him and he seems down and says he is trying to get money together but can never seem to get enough to start saving and pay his bills. I am so bummed out he was supposed to come up last year too and couldn't make it.

He has not seen my 3 year old since she was 2 months old and only pictures since then and they have talked on the phone, he has never seen my 17 month old. And when I told him I was going to have this baby he said "Oh another baby I won't be able to see". I know it hurts him as much as it hurts me, and DH is just heartbroken over it, he wants the girls to know their grandpa. I hope that some miracle will come through and he will get to come up this year.

I guess I just wanted to tell you all to be praying that he can come up and that everything will work out. If he doesn't come this year then we will have to wait a whole other year until NEXT Thanksgiving to see if he can come then. All his family is here and everything, he is the only one that lives in Florida (which is nice I can't blame him), but he loves to come and visit and take a break from the heat. Everyone needs a vacation and he has not been able to take one for 3 years now.

Thanks for letting me "talk".

By Emily7 on Thursday, November 4, 2004 - 11:10 pm:

(((Candis))) I hope he can make it for Thanksgiving. I will keep you all in my thoughts.

By Cocoabutter on Friday, November 5, 2004 - 12:34 am:

I understand I don't know the whole situation and all of the circumstances, but (((Candis))), I really hope you get to see your dad sometime soon, even if it is not for TG. I know you must miss him, and I bet he misses you, too.

I wonder if you couldn't go down to see him?

The important thing is that he won't be around forever, and he needs to see his grandchildren and his dd. A visit from you, IMO, could be just what he needs if his spirits are down. Do what you can to go see him. You shouldn't feel you have to wait for TG to come around every year. Do what you can to make it happen. I will be praying for you.

By Vicki on Friday, November 5, 2004 - 06:57 am:

You say that the whole family is where you are except him? Is it possible for everyone to chip in and get him a airline ticket for the Thanksgiving trip as his Christmas gift? If it isn't possible to cover the whole thing, maybe you all could chip in for at least half and he could get the rest together?? I really hope you guys figure something out. It has to be hard on everyone that he can't come!

By Rayanne on Friday, November 5, 2004 - 07:58 am:

I was going to say what Vicki said. Everyone chip in and bring him to you.

By Trisa on Friday, November 5, 2004 - 08:51 am:

Oh I hope he can work something out!
We used to live in Fl and when my son was little
it was a once a year visit and thats hard!
Everyone chipping in is a great idea!

By My2cuties on Friday, November 5, 2004 - 09:19 am:

After I re-read my post last night I thought what advice would I give myself (silly I know) but I thought maybe I could help him out. I have not really thought of that, DH has mentioned if we had the money we would give him some so he could come up. But if we ALL chipped in it would be even less.

The thing is, he likes to drive, so he would drive up here, he would be staying for 2 weeks and wants his own car, so I think last time he said he would only need somewhere around 2 or 300 for the trip and then we are all up here so he usually stays with my grandparents (his mom and dad) so no hotel money would be needed and no food expenses because he is at "home".

So I think we could VERY easily come up with that small sum, I think I will call him today and just be nosey and ask how much a trip to florida and back would cost, same cost either way and then he wouldn't think anything of it.

He is not really one who likes to take money, he works really hard and doesn't like hand-outs. He is stubborn (a characteristic I wish I had not inherited..LOL). Anyway, I would have to mail him a money order and then tell him after I had mailed it to check the box, I sent something.

I believe this will work, thanks so much!

By Kernkate on Friday, November 5, 2004 - 12:33 pm:

I am sure it will work out for you...Good Luck. Its great to have family around for the holidays

By Yjja123 on Friday, November 5, 2004 - 05:21 pm:

Here is what has worked for us. We have paid for my parents trips before and by making them think they are doing US a favor it has gone well. We have sent the money and said that by them traveling to see us the least we could do was chip in on their travel money. We mentioned how much we appreciate them coming to us and we know the hassle of travel, etc... Basically we create a feeling of them doing us a favor by coming and they do not feel bad about accepting the money.
Good luck!
Yvonne