Just like any other weekend, after lunch I found myself drifting towards my phone. Facebook reels- I was scrolling, one after the other, with absolutely no interest. Then suddenly came the surprising ones: families visiting India from other parts of the world. It goes without saying, most international flights arrive past midnight. And by the time you get through immigration and reach home, it’s usually the wee hours of the morning.
I saw the first video, it was heartwarming. Then, as though the universe needed to rile me up, a few more started popping up back to back. The second, third, and then the fourth stopped me in my tracks.
Unbeknownst to me, I felt a twitch in my heart, thinking of my parents and friends. I traveled back in time, recalling the city I grew up in. The memories slowly started to come together.
Those of us who reside abroad are no strangers to this feeling. We moved to the US almost ten years back. At that time, it was pure excitement, curiosity, and wonder. The new land and its surroundings felt like living in a dream we never imagined.
The first few years were spent exploring and traveling. We truly enjoyed every bit of it.
But that changes with time, especially when your family grows and you have children. Children have a way of showing you a different perspective on life. The connection you want them to have with home becomes the part you miss the most.
The longing to visit home becomes stronger and more important. The anticipation that comes with it is unmatched. Seeing our parents age as time passes is heartbreaking. The weekend video calls become a ritual that can’t be missed. Thanks to technology, the divide that once felt impossible to bridge now feels smaller.
Being present in the moment truly holds its value when we visit. Not a day is wasted; not a person or activity is taken for granted. Relishing the food we grew up eating and visiting our favorite places feels special in its own way.
The air may be muggy, traffic may be stressful, and getting things done may take time and energy.
Yes, we may have a different lifestyle now, more comfort, better cars, cleaner surroundings, more space. But the charm and essence you feel being back in your home country is still unmatched.
Many immigrant families living abroad would resonate with this. This is not regret or sadness. We are fully aware of the choices we made. With time, you learn to live with the distance too.
Soon, it will be time for us to visit. The excitement of shopping and buying gifts will come. Loading our bags with candies and treats, stuffing everything to the maximum capacity—we will be off to our place of origin. My family and my friends—we will be together again. Laughing and crying at the same time, creating memories I have collected dearly over the years- priceless.
For now, I feel gratitude for what we have been able to build in the time we’ve lived away.
This - is our home now.
I can somewhat relate since I feel I have two homes... first wherever I am with Val, but also I believe part of me has never left Hawaii. As Val says, each time we arrive iin the Islands she can sense I immediately feel at home. I especially miss it since we have not visited for a couple years and sense it won't happen agaiin. However, I still have the memories, friends and can travel around Oahu in my mind's eye whenever I want. I ofter tour the Island from the air to help me drift off to sleep. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jim.
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