I’m pretty sure I’ve said this before. But then again maybe not.
Living far away from my family just might be the hardest thing I’ve ever endured.
Sure, I’ve only been back home in Virginia for a little over 24 hours, so maybe the pain of “goodbye” is a little fresh, but what I do know is that it doesn’t get easier.
Years ago, when they left Virginia for California I had the opportunity to go with them. Fresh out of college and without a job, it would have been a fairly painless transition (as far as cross-country moves go). But I chose to stay, and I can’t say that I regret that decision. Today I find myself a more independent, self-confident woman because of that choice, but it doesn’t get easier.
The older I get, the more I miss the holidays, the traditions, the little moments.
As the years pass by, the more rapidly my sister grows up, and the more I realize how many of her little moments I miss.
So today it’s not about fashion or fluff. Today it’s a piece of me: my family. I’m so blessed to have them in my life yet the 2,000 plus miles between us weighs heavy on my heart.
Living far from family stinks, but as you said, it gets much easier as you get back into your life routine. I don’t live quite so far from my family, but I definitely have to plan out and make a real trip out of it every time we see eachother. Sometimes phones and skype really seem like the best inventions, ever.
I’m glad you had a good visit with them!
This was so sweet, Lauren. I think no matter how old we get and how far we live from our family, it will always hurt a little not to be home. I know I only live two and a half hours away from mine, and it’s still hard for me–and coming back to my apartment after spending time home STINKS!
I love my family, but I’m glad I live far away from them. I’m a pretty independent person, and I like having my own life that’s separate from my family. It sucks that they sometimes miss things (and I sometimes miss things, too), but I like that no one ever drops by unannounced.
I’m sort of a mix between you and Molly – I miss my family often, especially the little ones who I hope know me as they get older. But I do enjoy my time to be an independent person, and so, the happy medium for us is visits. 🙂 It’s going to be a lot harder when I have my own kids and have to balance everything, though, because I want my kids to know their family like I know them.
That last picture is SO cute! There’s nothing like family! 🙂
xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
Such a sweet post!
what a sweet post!!! xO!
http://www.thehautecookie.com
I definitely feel you here. My family all used to live in the same area and we’d ALL get together for giant Christmas gatherings. Then my aunt & cousins moved to Connecticut, my grandma to North Carolina, other great-aunts and uncles have passed away…so now half my family is 9 hrs’ drive north of here, and the other half is 9 hrs’ drive south of here. Even if I can go to one for a holiday or a visit, we hardly ever all get together anymore because the other one is so far away. It really sucks and makes me really sad.
I still live at home currently, but I definitely experienced this when I was in college. It’s great that you get to make trips every now and then to see your family- even if they are so far away. Thank God for internet and cell phones though, right? You and your little sis are so cute together- I’ve always wanted a sister!
I’m so with you on this… Being away from your family can be so hard. I’ve tossed around the idea of moving to California, and I’m not sure if it’s something I’d ever really have the strength to do. Just being in Manhattan while my parents are a train ride away in New Jersey seems tough! But you’re a strong lady, Lauren. This was one of my favorite posts of yours.
xx
M
This is the sweetest post Lauren! I loved reading about your family and seeing all the fun photos of you guys! I give you credit for being so strong, I get homesick to easily so I’m thankful that my parents are less than a half hour away. As sad as it is not being able to see them whenever you want, you definitely cherish the time you get to spend with them!
xo jen
I had my family visiting me a few days ago and when they left it was so hard. I hate having to leave family. xx. McKenna Lou
www,lynnandlou.blogspot.com
You are so blessed to have such a strong bond with your family. My heart aches for you. I hope getting back into your normal routine helps the homesickness not hurt so much.
-Lacey
This post made me smile! I love my family so much and although I still with them I could just imagine living away from them. My brother has moved out for a few years now and although he is 45 minutes away I still experience this same feeling.
this is so sweet, Lauren. i live far away from my dad so I know the feeling of being away from family – it’s no fun!
Oooh Sweetheart… that just pulls on my heart strings 🙁 Such a beautiful family.
I too am 1000 KM away from any family. I moved away at 18.
Lauren, I’m SO with you on that! Being this far away from your family must truly be hard and I’m sorry you are! Yet I’m impressed by your strength and think it’s great you’re not regretting the decision you made back then. Feeling happy where you are at least makes not being around your family a little less painful – or at least I hope it does. Sending you hugs!
While I’m not living nearly as far away from my family I still miss them and don’t see them often enough. Leaving my parents’ house after Christmas break was the hardest thing ever.
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