Today I am happy, very happy. My darling youngest daughter is over from Australia. Jo
and her boyfriend G emigrated 10 years ago. I remember it well, Thursday the 25th November 2004. I drove Jo to the airport, G’s parents took him, and the rest of the family members drove there separately. We were a happy upbeat group until it came time to say goodbye, as I
stood at the barrier watching my baby disappear into the departures area the
tears flowed and my heart ached. I cried all the way home wondering when I
would see her again. I busied myself with work and activities and had lots of tearful
telephone conversations with my eldest daughter who was missing her sis
dreadfully. We both longed and hoped for a phone call saying they couldn’t
settle and were coming home.
Phone calls, text and emails helped bridge the distance and then in 2005 I went over there for Christmas. I continued to go every year until 2011 when Jo started coming here. And now we use skype as well.
It must have been very difficult for families who left loved ones back in the 50’s when they had to book a telephone call in advance, and then have about 3 or 4 minutes for everyone to speak to each other.
Phone calls, text and emails helped bridge the distance and then in 2005 I went over there for Christmas. I continued to go every year until 2011 when Jo started coming here. And now we use skype as well.
It must have been very difficult for families who left loved ones back in the 50’s when they had to book a telephone call in advance, and then have about 3 or 4 minutes for everyone to speak to each other.
It's a tough one. I have several friends in a similar position and, whilst always wanting what's best for our kids, selfishly dread the possibility. But you're right - it's a much smaller world now and, in that sense at least, a little easier. Imagine what it must have been like 100 or more years ago.
ReplyDeleteI guess all those years ago some people had to resign themselves to never seeing their loved ones again, heartbreaking.
DeleteIt's really hard when those you love are so far away. I have a sister in NZ and parents in Spain but you are right - it's so much easier now than it was years ago. Skpe is a wonderful thing. Have the loveliest time with your daughter x
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarah, we usually do. My heart sings when I hear Jo and Amanda talking, laughing and being silly like they did when they were teenagers :-) x
DeleteYes, I don't know how people could bear the parting years ago when they knew they might never see the person again. That's one of the advantages of our new technologies!
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine how devastated people must have been. Whenever I thought about how far away my daughter was I burst into tears. It's a little easier now.
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