The Slice: Sadly, the grand plan often includes moving west

West Side grandbabies are luring some of Spokane’s best people away from our kid-loving community.

Is it a conspiracy?

The latest evidence arrived in an email I received last week from longtime S-R reader Bill Anderson.

“After 42 years at 4011 S. Lacey, my wife and I are making a move — to Bellingham — to be closer to grandkids,” he wrote.

Should have seen this coming. But Bill can tell it. “It was nine years ago this summer that all three of our Ferris High School grads got married in the Seattle/Bellingham area. You alluded to that in a column.”

So, of course, I wish the Andersons well. But I have half a mind to send a note to their procreating children on the other side of the Cascades.

“Dear Anderson Kids,

“Your mom and dad won’t be uprooting their lives, after all. They are needed at home. Where they belong.

“They are kind, thoughtful people — exactly the sort of folks Spokane needs. We are not ready to let them go.

“Please consider bringing your children over to see their grandparents now and then. Take I-90 and head east.

“Yours truly,

“The Slice”

Ah, who am I kidding? We’ve all seen young families in action. They are crazy busy. If you want grandbaby access, you have to go get it.

And when they are clustered 300 miles away? Forget about it.

So I don’t blame the senior Andersons. Not a bit.

But darn that Seattle area for having a vibrant economy and good jobs that steal away some of our best and brightest, who then make babies that giggle at grandma on webcam calls. Then grandma has a little talk with granddad and before you know it some valued Spokane residents are gazing west and phoning real estate agents.

Oh, well. No shame in admitting that it takes love to make somebody leave. I just hope those mildewy grandkids appreciate the sacrifice.

“Tell me again, Grandpa, about how the sun shines every day in Spokane.”

“Yes, child, that’s how it is. And the traffic isn’t all that bad.”

“Gosh, Grandpa. Sounds like a magical place!”

“Oh, it is, child. It is.”

Today’s Slice question (complete this sentence): Where I come from, …