For the past eight months, I have lived almost 15 hours away from home. The distance has not only been physical, it’s emotional, and the weight of being away from my family has gotten really difficult to bear. It’s not just the miles separating us, but the deep yearning to be in their presence, to share everyday moments, and to feel the comfort of the people who know and love me best.
For the first time in my life, I truly understand the meaning of “home” and the deep attachment that ties me to my loving family.Before I left home, I never imagined how hard it would be to be away from my family. I always thought I was independent, someone who could go through life without needing to constantly check in with people or stay so connected.
Although we had our calls and messages, I never felt the drive to reach out constantly. The thing is, the longer I am away, the more I realize how relevant they are to my life. In school, I could go weeks without feeling homesick, and my visits home were few but cherished.
But now, living in a place so far from them, every day without their familiar voices feels like an eternity. I’m now learning just how much my family means to me.It’s strange how absence can amplify the presence of something.
Out of sight is out of mind they say but on this note, I strongly disagree. I can recall the laughter at the dining table, the familiar hum of my parents’ voices, the early morning call to wake me up when I’m getting late, the sounds of plates clunking from the kitchen when my mother is cooking and serving and even the simple act of being in the same room with them. These small moments, once taken for granted, now feel like priceless treasures.
I can do anything to have them back!
I’ve come to realize that it’s the daily interactions, the hugs, the shared meals, the idle conversations at the balcony and backyard that make up the wholeness of a family. Without these things, everything feels a bit empty.
For weeks now, I’ve found myself calling my family more often than I ever did before. For a week straight, I called them every day, something I never used to do. This was an unusual habit for me, though I was never proud of it, and at first, it felt forced. But gradually, I realized how much I craved their voices, how much I missed the sound of my mother’s laughter, or my father’s advice, or the chatter of my siblings.
My siblings oh my gosh! I doubt if we’d ever have so much time to spend together at home like we did while growing up. The thought alone hurts but everyone has to go about their own lives now. Every conversation, no matter how mundane, made me feel a little bit closer to them. It was as if the distance between us shrank with each phone call.
The holidays also highlighted just how far away I am from them. Christmas and New Year have passed without the usual warmth of being surrounded by family. It was a quiet time, a time to reflect on how much I had taken for granted before I left.
The absence of their familiar faces, acts and voices during the holiday season made me realize just how much I rely on their presence for emotional support and joy. I didn’t even leave for those celebrations because it wasn’t feasible. I’m here for the long haul, unable to visit until my year of absence is completed.
While others were surrounded by their families, I felt like an outsider looking from a distance. I won’t lie, there have been moments when loneliness felt overwhelming. It’s hard to express how much I miss them without feeling guilty for not being able to be with them. I know they’re doing fine without me, just as I’m learning to navigate life on my own here. But there’s a comfort in the familiar feeling that no amount of distance can erase.
If you asked me what I missed the most while being away from home, I’d say it’s the bond of family. The kind of bond that doesn’t need to be explained because it’s understood. The reassurance that, no matter where I am, they’re there, waiting for me!
As I reflect on this longing to be with them, I can’t help but realize how much I’ve grown in their absence too. This experience, while challenging, has taught me the true value of family and the essential role they play in shaping who I am. I’ve learned that family is not just about genetics, but about the bond that transcends physical presence.
Now, as days slowly pass by, I look forward to the day I’d get to reunite with my family plus all the anticipation of a long-awaited homecoming. I can’t wait to return home and bask in the comfort of their presence. Until then, I will hold onto the memories, the phone calls (audio and video), and be rest assured that, no matter the distance, the connection will always be there.
Pictures attached are mine.
Thank you for reading.