My parents lived across the street from my son and daughter-in-law. They have helped to care for the 2 great grandchildren that have come along. Daily care! The oldest is now 7. My Father passed away 2 years ago. My mother continues to be very involved with my sons family. He has now taken another job in VA. My mother is very involved in her church. Lives alone now and can care for herself. She is truly grieving this move. My mother lives in SC. I have a brother in NC and one in TN. My husband and I live in WV. Any suggestions for helping her through this period? We have asked if she would like to move with any of us. She has declined. She is 78 years old.
I know that she may have attachments to her community, church, and home, but, if your son could swing it, I'd ask her to move with me to VA. I realize that may not be a popular answer, but, I suppose that I'm biased. lol I would at least offer.
I'd just keep giving her lots of support, cards, calls and hope that your son and his wife try to keep that communication between the kids and her going. It's just not the same when you move away.
Oh, when I started school, my parents moved to an adjacent county where the schools were better. In anticipation, my grandparents and great grandparents, SOLD their house and bought one near where we had moved! Just to stay near me and my brother. Families handle things differently, but, I sure do hope your mom and the great grand kids can stay close, like I did with mine. It's priceless.
97 yearoldmom has some excellent ideas for the transition.