In the excitement of packing, traveling and moving to a new place, there are some things you just don't think about. For example, you probably aren't thinking about the birthdays you will not be around to celebrate in person. Life is fluid and full of adventure and change. The world moves. People move.
Recently, I flew back "home" to visit my family and was touched by my Dad's thoughtfulness. Because it had been a year since we had all seen each other, he ordered a special whipped cream cake which said "All of Us" on top. We celebrated a year's worth of all of our birthdays together. It was a happy moment. With just a tinge of sad.
I am happy to live where I do now, and my family is happy for me as well. But it doesn't mean that we didn't all feel the tug on our hearts as the candles got blown out. The price of the new experiences have cost us the familiarity and traditions of some of the old.
And when a loved one ages into their 90's, there is the acute awareness of thoughts like, "These may be the last candles he blows out," or "this may be the last time I see him alive." And, "I love him so much."
Yet, family loves and trains us to grow up and explore the world, embrace opportunities. True, they miss us. And we miss them. But so long as we are living authentic lives, they are happy for us. And we are grateful and perhaps more appreciative than ever for the precious moments we can share in this precious life together.
Its so true. There is always a cost. Just seems life is full of good and bad...bittersweet really.
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My sister lives overseas currently and so I can relate to this. Wonderful story about your family and situation, and nicely written. :)
Upvoted and resteeming this to 14,000+ followers.
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Thank you so much @joanaltres! I truly appreciate it and know that your resteem allowed many more people to see the post. I have been very encouraged by peoples' response and seeing how so many of us feel the same things and can relate to one another. I hope you get a chance to connect with your sister soon. All the best to you! :)
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That was such a sweet idea of your dad with the all of us cake :)
I can relate to what your saying i moved away from home at 18 and never lived near y family since them and for the last 30 years have lived around the world, missed so many family events over the years
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Thank you @tattoodjay! I'm sure you have many wonderful experiences to tell, living around the world. But yes, our hearts can yearn for those moments we miss.
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:) have a great day
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Well said. "All of Us" is quite poetic.
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Literally brought mo to tears. 😢
It's been two years since I have been home and hugged my parents. I really miss them and desperately need their hug. 😢😢
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Thank you. It's helpful to know that others can relate and we are not alone in our experiences. I understand your feeling. I do hope you can find a way to see them. My heart goes out to you. All the best to you. 💙💜💚
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Happy times with family and Whipped cream cake!!!!
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Yes, there's just nothing quite like a fresh whipped cream cake from the bakery down the street ;)
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good!
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Loneliness can only be tackled through proper interactions and relationships
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Yes, true.
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I love your dad's style ;) Having circled the globe for 6 years my wife and I have learned for each thing we give up freely, we receive something else easily. Our family has grown to accept, embrace and even celebrate our travels as they see our authentic urge to see the world, and to bring the world together thru our globe trotting. Love this post :)
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Thank you @ryanbiddulph! Yes, my Dad is a man of style... Especially when it comes to good food! I love what you said, "for each thing we give up freely, we receive something else easily." So, so true! Bon Voyage to you and your family on all of your journeys :) I will follow to see more!
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Nice @denisechips
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Thank you so much :)
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That's the best feeling when you are with the family. Exploring the world with them is awesome. Precious moments are important and especially pictures which should be kept.
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I agree. When I was younger, I didn't think to take pictures as much. But now with distance and age, and losing some loved ones along the way, I realize how nice it is to have pictures to remind me of the love and good memories.
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Lovely story....thanks for share to us.....
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Thank you for reading and the encouragement :)
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I'm with you on this. My son lives 5000+ miles away and has been home twice in 7 years and I've visited once. My daughter lives a mere 100 miles away but even that can seem like a world away some days. I'm happy and proud they have wings but I know we all miss being closer. The older I get the more aware I am of this. I guess you just have to make those together times more precious. I love the cake idea. I may steal it. ☺
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Thank you @susanrs. I know how you said it is exactly how my own parents feel, "I'm happy and proud they have wings but I know we all miss being closer." Please DO steal the cake idea. My Father would be thrilled to know that. In fact, I will call him today and let him know that someone liked his idea. He will be encouraged :)
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emotional and poetic one
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Thank you @ahsan28!
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Very nice words, thank you for posting that!
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Thank you @attilaloe :)
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The first time I moved settled away from family, I feel like doing something that is not true, feeling deeply lost family. But everything that happens is with good intentions. Finally after so long feeling comfortable up too. Do not worry to anyone who wants to wander, all will be beautiful in time ... nice to see your post @denisechips
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Thank you for the encouragement @heriafriadiaka! I am happy you have come to a place of comfort and peace. And I wish you well wherever you may wander, may you enjoy it fully.
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This post caught my attention. I have a father with anger issues. I seem to be one of his main angered issue. I recently began my independantship again for the 4th time. 34 year old. broke, kicked out of house. Lost my car. Facing some yet to be decided issues. I do still have my job, thankfully. It is time to go new places and walk new paths. Its a part of finding myself isnt it? i will be going home only to retrieve my belongings. Wandering and organizing my thoughts and process my plan of action for my near future as well as what i really need for the rest of my life. Most difficult is resting. When can i rest my eyes in peace? all i have im thankful for. I know i need more support. I need the right influence because i know i can be great once most of the negativity are phased out. One day i will show him, i can be better than him. Right noww i just want to be away from him as the verbal insults had always been stunning my brain from growing.
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I'm so sorry you've had to go through this @beansmo. I truly hope that you can find peace of mind in the situation & peace for your heart. Your post brought to mind Ecclesiastes chapter 3 in the Bible to me. It speaks about God making everything beautiful in its time and why we go through the painful trials we experience. I will pray right now that you will find peace and prosper.
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