[sneezyone]

Originally Posted by Missourimomtobe

I don't believe you should be expected to pay for her trips to visit, house her if she does visit, or pay any other expenses, such as phone cards, etc...While it would be great if you can arrange for an occasional visit back to Alaska, the fact remains that this is your family and you must do what is in your family's best interests...letters, pictures and/or phone calls are all certainly acceptable methods of providing contact..."

I was thinking the same thing but didn't say it since it went against the prevailing wisdom here. I honestly can't see how this is any different than DH and I living out of state from my parents and siblings. I don't pay for their airfare or lodging and they don't pay for mine. My mom scrimps and saves but manages to come and see me. In 7 years we've paid for my DH's baby sister (15) to have a spring break visit and for she and DH's stepdad (70+) to come out one Christmas but they're basically dirt poor and never would have made the trip if we hadn't paid (and believe me, it was a stretch for us to afford it). In the absence of extreme poverty, I just can't see forking over the dough - even for family. Somehow, my parents and I manage to have a thriving, healthy relationship communicating by phone, email and the occasional compilation DVD . I think the same can/should be done in this situation.