Living far away from Family

SO I am tearing up as I read everyone's reponses-- this has always been a huge issue for me -- We knew that when we moved to NJ that we werent going to allow it to change the relationships that I have with my nieces-- so we make it to 99% of their birthdays, dance recitals, etc-- I couldn't imagine it any other way- I have one brother in NJ and they complain all the time about the traffic to LI and i dont sympathize with them because I knew that when I moved away from family it was going to be an adjustment for all-- I expect them to come to our house as much as I am expected at theirs--
it is def working thus far and hope that when we have children they will have relationships with their aunts and uncles the same way I do with my nieces

I am tearing up also!!!! I have thought about this also...My FH's family is here in Rochester and they LOVE their one and only grandson. I know that side of the family would be there for me 100%.
But when I go back home to Long Island and look at pics of my parents, sis and niece and nephew...going to the beach, out on the boat, birthdays, etc. It makes me very sad. As much as I love living here (same reasons as Doreen, cost of living, etc) I have always imagined having kids with my best friends, taking them out for stroller rides around Argyle Park, out fishing with Grandpa...things that I did growing up I would want to share with my children.
So Doreen, you are not alone. I'm a thinker, too!
(I think sometimes I think too much!)

We moved to Florida while we were engaged. Soon after the wedding we discovered, we were expecting. It was sad not to have my friends and family from LI around, but I had mad a few friends here at work and they shared in my joy. They even through me a baby shower. I flew home at 7 months pregnant so my mom could have one for me as well. Forunatley I was induced, so my mom got to be in the room during labor and delivery.

The hard part was/is the constant guilt I have for my parents. They are so excited that they are grnadparetns, but missed alot. They did not see Geno crawl til 5 months after he started. He's practically walking already. They miss alot and I feel bad all the time,

The worst part is DH got injured at work and required 2 major surgeries. So I take care of him and the baby and the house by myself most of the time. It's stressful and I cry and beg to move home everyonce in a while. It's hard when something bad happens to find someone to help you.

If I knew this would happen, I would never had moved so far from my loved ones. But My 2 Aunts and 2 Uncles did it when they were married had kids and made it through all kinds of stuff. So who's to say.....