Despite many miles, family stays close over holidays

Technology takes the sting out a little when siblings are far away

If I had a single Christmas wish, it would be a simple but expensive one.

I would wish for my sisters, my brother and their kids and spouses to magically appear in Yuma for a few days of holiday fun.

Flying in and out of Ohio this time of year can be tricky, thanks to the magic of Ohio winter, which often comes complete with ice and lake effect snow.

In years past, my siblings — sometimes all of them, sometimes just one, sometimes with our parents — often wound up out here for Christmas, where we opened presents and then went outside to enjoy the warm weather.

I’m incredibly fortunate that we were able to share those experiences. When I left Ohio and moved to Yuma, my siblings were only 11, 8 and 5, but despite our differences in age and the many miles, we worked to keep our ties strong.

Somehow, all three of my siblings have become adults, and in the process, have their own lives to live. The oldest now has babies of her own, my first niece and nephew, and leaving for the holidays is tough.

Fortunately, we’re all very close to one another. We talk and text regularly and it’s not unusual for us to have a massive ongoing group text message conversation going on for days at a time. Still, this time of year especially, I wish both my siblings and their families were just a bit closer … preferably somewhere in the state of Arizona … maybe, say, Yuma, near my husband, daughter and I!

In the meantime, I’m glad that technology has made it easier for us to stay in touch and celebrate together. We’ll FaceTime with my niece tonight as we make chocolate chip cookies for Santa, and Christmas Day will be filled with FaceTime visits and quick texts and conversations back and forth.

Despite the fact that we’re 2,150 miles away from one another (thanks, Google Maps!), we’ll still celebrate together, at least digitally. And for that, I am very thankful!