The Modern Family
5 years ago, I left my family. I moved 1,700 miles away to begin my independent life and start my path to adulthood.
It was easy at first. Most of the time I would be so busy that it didn’t creep into daily life.
But minor events happen over time that cause the ache of homesickness. An incident at the hospital, for which I can only receive hurried phone call updates. Three Thanksgivings where I miss my mom’s mac and cheese. Skyping with the family while I watch them from across the country decorate the tree.
It’s hard. Humans need each other.
As the 20-something population becomes more spread out, we look to each other to fill that void. Sunday breakfasts, holiday parties and BBQ’s create new families…modern families. Individuals take on the roles your parents once held – caregiver, loudmouth, disciplinarian. You can probably name who fits those stereotypes in your friend group with ease.
So today, on Father’s Day, I feel sadness for the gift of wine I will not share with my Dad, or the family outing to see Toy Story 3 I will miss. But the huge brunch I’m currently enjoying makes up for the home sicknesses just enough.
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This is something that Melissa and I struggle with constantly – with no family closer than 900 miles away, there are things that are just harder than when you have folks right up the road. But that’s the tradeoff with traveling for school/employment/independence.