This weekend my little sister moved away. I mean, really far away. Like halfway around the world away.

Her husband is oversees and while it’s best for her family that she’s with her husband, we’re going to miss her terribly.

Even more specifically, my little one is going to have a hard time when she realizes that she can’t see her aunt as often as she has gotten use to seeing her.

With my sister gone, it brings up something to think about — how do you keep your little ones in touch with family members who live far away? I know many people deal with this on a regular basis, but I have lived within walking distance of my extended family my entire life. Keeping in touch with a long distance relative is a completely new experience for me.

I’ve decided we must have Skype dates so my little one can see her aunt on a regular basis. It’s going to be nice for the two of them to not only talk to one another but for them to see each other as well. My hope is that this way my little one will still feel connected to her aunt even though she is so far away.

I’ve also determined that we will encourage my little one to write letters to her aunt. She loves giving gifts to people, so I am hoping she will get equally as excited about putting a surprise letter in the mailbox and possibly getting one in return.

So that’s it ... my only two ideas to keep my little one in touch with her aunt. Hopefully you Barrow Patch readers will have some better ideas. I would love to hear them.