Grandparent and grandchildren

[Alluvial]

I couldn't decide if this was a Relationship thing or a Parenting thing.

Anyway, I have two little grandsons who live on the East Coast. They are 3 yrs old and 1 yr old. I feel obligated to keep up a good relationship with them because that's what Grannies do.

My problem is their dad - my step son. In the past few years his political beliefs have gotten more and more extreme. It used to be that we could disagree and yet have a normal conversation. It's not that way any more. I haven't said anything to him (or his wife) but I have a great desire to pull away from them emotionally. I don't want confrontation, I'd like to walk away and leave them be - but I'd also like for them to leave me be.

However, that's not going to fit well with a loving, doting Granny, is it? I find myself cool towards the little boys because of this wedge that's between their Dad and myself.

I'm wondering, is it possible to have a good relationship with grandchildren in spite of a poor relationship with their parents? Should I 'fake' feelings of closeness? What do you think?