We spend 7 months a year near our grandkids in Texas. The other 5 are for us in Florida.
A retired couple from Florida has adopted a lifestyle of splitting their year between their home state and Houston to remain close to their grandchildren. The arrangement allows them to maintain an active social life in Tampa while providing hands-on support for their son's family.
Why it matters
This highlights the evolving nature of modern family dynamics and the 'snowbird' lifestyle as retirees seek to balance personal independence with intergenerational caregiving.
Valerie and Glenn Cherry split their time between Tampa and Florida. Courtesy of Valerie Cherry Valerie Cherry was thrilled when her first grandchild was born. She wanted to be a hands-on grandma. The mom-of-one yearned to be closer to the young family but was reluctant to leave her hometown. With 1,000 miles between them, she found a "middle ground" by renting nearby for half of the year. This story is based on an interview with Valerie Cherry, 68, a clinical psychologist from Tampa, Florida. It has been edited for length and clarity. My husband, Glenn, 68, and I were delighted when our first grandchild — a little girl —was born four years ago. Our son, Jamal, is an only child, and we are a very close-knit family.
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