When I left home to study abroad, I didn’t fully realize how tough it would be to live far from my family. Maybe it didn’t cross my mind because my brother and sister had also studied abroad and eventually built their lives away from home. I’ve now been in San Francisco for 11 years, and it never really gets easier, if anything, the goodbyes feel heavier each time. The last full family trip we took together was before my sister got married, which was probably 15 years ago!
This past week was the first time we’ve all been together in such a meaningful way. For one evening, my brother, my sister, and I went to dinner, just the three of us. Of course, we’ve seen each other plenty over the years, but always with their spouses or kids. Having that time to ourselves reminded me how rare those moments have become, and it honestly felt like being back home again.
As the youngest, maybe I hold onto those memories a little more tightly. But it was a good reminder that time with the people we love is one of the most valuable things we have. And if you’re fortunate enough to live close to your family, or simply get to see them often, give them an extra hug this week, just because you can.
