24 Days and Counting...

Family and Goodbyes (written while traveling yesterday)

We're traveling I-26W headed towards a sister's home after a lovely trip to my parents' home in Charleston, SC. This weekend we're visiting family to say our goodbyes.

My husband and I live 1-5 hours away from all immediate family members (excluding the growns). Living in the states full-time we manage to see most family 3-5 times a year, but we communicate several times weekly via mobile phone, email and/or facebook.

Our choice to live as expats at times is a touchy subject for the stay behind family. Contrary to our reasoning and lack of inhibitions, sometimes our parents, adult children, close siblings and best friends experience feelings of separation and a genuine fear for our safety of the unknown in an unknown environment. We're taking care to reassure our loved ones by making every effort to continue normal communications.

This weekend I opened my mom a free Skype account and installed all numbers to reach us. For less than $9.00 she bought a mic and she's now ready and armed to VOIP!

Even though we're a mouse click, speed dial, or facebook entry away from our loved ones, the fact is we're living on the other side of the planet. So, as busy as we are preparing to leave, visiting loved ones and saying our proper goodbyes is one of the most important "to-dos" on our list.