I took my kids to South Carolina to see my grandmother in 2011, 2013 and 2015. Three great road trips. We had a great time on our road trips and I’m glad we took a week out of each summer to see friends and family along the way.

It was important that they got to know their great grandmother because even in divorce, kids still have two sides of their family…family court thinks that only one side matters for some strange reason. My Nana always got along with my ex wife while we were married and even liked her after we were divorced (a better person than me). It’s a good thing because even when there are parents who may not get along, there are still two sides of the family children are born into. I guess my Nana saw the silver lining in the dark cloud of our divorce. I’m certainly happy she saw me in my new relationship. She met my current girlfriend the last time we went to visit her in South Carolina last summer.

I feel better that I exposed my kids to both sides of their DNA and will continue to do so. Family is so important to me and I’m glad they had a chance to get to know their great grandmother.

Unfortunately, this is their introduction to what it feels like to lose a family member. My Nana was born in 1918…the year Workd War I ended. Unfortunately, she died this morning at age 97. It’s a sad day for my kids, but she had a enormous impact. Cousins, uncles, grandkids, great grandkids, friends, colleagues and extended family all across the country were touched by her generous spirit.

I certainly know that life is short. Do your best to live it to the fullest and spend time with those who you care about. Social media is cool and all but find a way to make a road trip of your own to actually see your family in person. Whether they be in the next town over or in a state halfway across the country.

So sad to see another death in a matter of months come my way. I guess that comes with the territory of being an adult.