Saturday, June 16, 2012

Hardest part of this whole thing????


Not having family nearby.  I don't mean to sound bitter, but honestly I think deep down I feel a little bitter and a little jealous of those that have family living nearby or even in the same State, OR, country for that matter.

None of this is easy, but it's doable.  And after doing it for so many years, you tend to grow a bit of a thick skin to some things, you kind of let it roll of your back and you push forward.

But let's be honest, it's much easier when you have your family nearby.  When you can just go to your parents for dinner, or your parents come by just to say hi.  Or you go out for the day with your sister in law and your nieces and nephews, or even being able to go to your in laws just to say hi.

Will it make you forget your husband is away?

Absolutely not, but it does help, I think it's times like these that I most feel the distance between me and my family back in South Africa.  I try not to be jealous when I hear my brothers or sisters in law talk about how they went here or there, or saw my parents or whatever....but I'm human and I think I'm allowed to feel a little sadness and wonder what if, right?

So I'm not going to sit here and blab and blab and blab about this, matter of fact, this post is going to be short and to the point.

Enjoy every second you have with your loved ones, be thankful that your parents and siblings and aunts and uncles are just around the corner because many of us out here don't have that choice.


12 comments:

Jen said...

Thanks for the reminder. This is something I do take for granted. I'm blessed to have all my siblings live less than an hour from me. ((HUGS))

Sweet Tea said...

((Hugs))
Thinking of you and sending love from here on the bayou.

Melissa Hopper said...

I know what you mean. I may only be two hours from my family but it still feels like 5,000 miles to me. I used to live next door. (well three miles) I now call my mom everyday. Yes everyday still.I do not think I will ever stop either.

Miranda @ Pressing On said...

I totally understand. We're here in Alaska while the rest of the family is over 2400 miles away, and we have to pass through another country to get there, so we might as well be not in the US.

This hit home 2 weeks ago when my 4 yr old needed emergency surgery in the middle of the night and we had no one to call to help us with the other 4 kids. Thankfully the staff at the Army hospital made up a room for us to put the kids to sleep in, so it all worked out. It's very hard being away from family and a good support system. (((HUGS)))

Gizela said...

hi sandra. I totaly feel you... You its is nice to read your post from the heart because it makes us who are in the same boat feel normal. After all we are only human living by god grace.
I am also away from Family and hubby Travels every month for a month for work. Everyday it is just me and the kids until daddy is back. It is hard when he is away and having family around to visit i think it would help.
God bless you and Yes we are getting stronger in the times when our husbands are away.

Linds said...

I know. Hugs, sweetie.

Aunt Nita said...

I agree I never missed having Family until I.lost my parents and I am so thankful we have the Bourlands and Webers now...we are fortunate 80 miles is not bad and we have traveled often...when we are here its like we have no one...thats why we are moving next year to be closer to Family...just wish you were close too :( if it wasn't for the dogs we would buy a plane ticket and come for a meal!! We Love you <3

Melonie said...

Feeling your pain, Sandra. I'm missing my SIL's wedding weekend. Oki has been amazing but on days like this I do question whether it was worth it. The plane tickets and amount of time spent just for hubby to get there, and for my daughter to go in visitation, really are a lot of pressure. (((((((hugs)))))))

autumnesf said...

Amen and amen.

Liz said...

It's something that I really try not to take for granted. I'm so lucky to have family near. It's also perfectly normal to feel jealous of people that do have that. I wish that you were able to have your family closer.

Lois Christensen said...

Big hugs to you and the kids today! Hope you all were able to Skype!

Stacia said...

I am sorry, Sandra. You deserve big hugs as being here with your family so far away and you doing it all is amazing. {{hugs}}