Both of my kids are far-flung (one one the opposite side of continent, one abroad). This is the phase of parenting that I find most fulfilling: seeing how they navigate the world on their own. This is what we put so much effort into preparing them for, now it’s showtime. I love this.
So basically, I don’t want closeness in the form of having constant input into their lives (their mom is struggling with that). I want the occasional update, enough that I can know how things are going for them. Thank goodness for Skype. A couple of Skype chats per week and I’m good.
I suspect things may change if/when grand kids enter the picture.