Reflexiones desde la distacia (En ingles)

The importance of "Family"

I have a very pretty photo frame on my desk filled with words that define family. I read them every day and think of how much my family means to me. Words like devotion, identity and belonging are ones that stand out now that I'm away from them. How much are we define by the people we grow up with, by the examples set by our parents, siblings or elders? Their stories are not necessary our stories but their memories and experiences are part of our journey. Families are not perfect, and I don't think they are meant to be that way because our differences and similarities are what make each family so unique.

I've realize that culturally family relations and dynamics are amazingly different and some times in this very civilize country I struggle to make people understand how much I care for my parents and even my extended relatives. Our bond is not just made by our blood line but our devotion and loyalty for each other. Their successes feel much like my own just like their failures.

The distance has taken a great toll on me because I miss them so much. I miss the warmth that only a family can give; I miss how much they care about what happens to me, I miss sharing little things like arriving home to my mum’s smile, watching history documentaries with Dad and admiring my sister’s drawings…I miss their honest hugs and sincere words of encouragement.