Where did February go???

Oh my goodness...time is flying by way too quickly. 
This month has been filled with happy and sad moments.  From one of my participants at work turning 100 to the passing of a Jr. High-High School classmate from skin cancer.  All have given moments of reflextion.
I look at the pictures of our 7 grandchildren and the realization that they will range this year in ages from 17 to 2 hits me full on, and with them all so very far away it causes my heart to ache knowing we are missing so many special events in their lives as well as in their parents.
As I approach my 56th birthday next month the reality of life not being quite how I had pictured it is setting in.  I always dreamed of living somewhere with my children close by and having a home large enough where we could all gather for Sunday dinners, special occassions, and holidays.  Being able to attend their ball games, dance recitels and special school performances...but alas that is not the privledge I have been awarded.
I am thankful for my children and their efforts to post pictures on their blogs or Face Book pages, it helps, but it is not the same as being there and seeing it first hand.
Some wish for wealth so they can have fancy cars, boats, and more...me...I just want to be able to sepend time with the kids when I want to...but again I remind myself, this is not the case.  For whatever reason; or what ever lesson, I, we, or they are to be learning or growing from, this is where we are...all spread out.  I don't like it, nor do I have to, but somehow I must learn to deal with it.  I guess what I am finaling feel is what they call "Empty Nest Syndrome".  But it is not that I miss having them home every day, I'm thrilled they all have wonderful eternal partners and families of their own, I just miss the closeness we once shared as a "family".
I guess no matter our age we still have growing pains...and they hurt.  My prayer is that we will soon be able to all be together again.  So until then I will continue to dream about having my children close by and that house where we can all gather for Sunday dinners, ball games, holidays and laughter...they are beautiful dreams that I hold dear to my heart and no one can take that away.