Veronicca Blogger: 5 things I always go through every time I visit my family back home
Last weekend I visited Fårup Sommerland for the first time ever :). The weather was beautiful, so warm and sunny all day. It was such a lovely experience, and not because of the roller coasters but because I got to spend it with family. I am so blessed to have Andreas and his wonderful family in my life.
Having such lovely time that Sunday made me miss hanging out with my family. Sometimes it feels that the concept of “casually hanging out” is just not possible anymore. When I go back home it’s usually for a very limited time and it includes a lot of planning, running around and there is almost no time for just casual dates. There are many things that are hard about being an immigrant (even though I volunteered to do it) but one of the hardest must be that you are away from family. You are growing up and they don’t get to see it. And it’s sad for both parts. The moment you make the choice to be independent you understand what family really is about.
As this was happening in my head, I realized my thoughts are taking me down a dark road I don’t want to go. So instead I started thinking about what is the positive outcome of all of this. And that is the fact that you understand what family is about and learn how to appreciate your time with them like never before. It’s a great lesson and something that has made our connection stronger. Many take their family for granted and can’t see how precious the moments you have with them are. And I am talking about the small things. About arguing with your mom if you should put a jacket on or not, or your sister stealing your t-shirt. You learn to take the time and appreciate all of that and for me, gratitude and appreciation is where happiness really begins :).
Anywho, I am starting to get carried away! As much as I love my family and I miss them, visiting can be quite hectic. I wanted to list few things that I always go through when I visit back home, maybe some of you can relate?
The weird mix of excitement & stress
There is so much planning involved on how to spread those 7 vacation days into a year of conversations, lunches and grandma visits that it can get pretty stressful! You need to find the perfect formula for time-spreading so you have enough for everybody and no one gets offended. But someone will, I promise.
All of your work/school vacation is including family visits.
It’s kind of obvious, but I think many don’t realize it. When you live away from your family all your vacation includes lot’s of traveling, planning and not much “vacation”. This year I took my first summer vacation, that included just going to a beach and not doing anything, in 4 years. In case my parents are reading this, I am not saying that it’s better, but sometimes it’s necessary.
The inevitable weight gain
There is no way around it. No amount of self-control is enough to keep you away from what is waiting for you back home. All the family dinners that normal families have in a year, need to be done in about a week. So you get all of your favorite meals, done they way you love them, every day during your vacation … Pancakes every day? Yeah, sure, why not!
Convincing your parents it’s okay to see other people too
Spending time on convincing my parents (my dad) it’s alright that I use some of the limited time I have there to go see my high school friends is not fun, I tell you. People can get a bit selfish when they miss someone, and it’s understandable but just like I miss my family I miss my friends too. I am not sure how my family thinks it’s harder for them when they only get to miss me, and I miss all of them plus friends. I think this concept needs reconsidering.
Having to say goodbye
Even though it can be quite hectic to visit family, saying good bye is never easy. And the more I grow up the harder it gets. Living away can be tough some times, but at the end it only makes me appreciate them even more :).
That was it with my short article today, hope you enjoyed 🙂 Talk to you later!
Hugs,
Veronicca
Veronicca
