For the past ten years, my sister and her family have lived overseas. It’s taken us every bit of those ten years to get used to the distance. I remember, at one point, thinking it was odd that I wasn’t familiar with my sister’s wardrobe. It’s a minor thing, but part of the transition that happens when you live closely with someone for two decades and then you don’t. You know those brown shorts? The ones I wear with that striped t-shirt? No, no I don’t.
There’s a lot to get used to — timezones, Skype dates, years between visits, jet-lag, becoming reacquainted, saying goodbye. Eventually, slowly, reluctantly, we got used to it.
This past year they’ve lived much, much closer. And, well, it’s amazing how quickly you can get used to something that’s so comfortable.
We had a full year of holidays and birthdays, an epic cousins camping trip, and wonderful just because visits. For the first time since I’ve owned a phone with texting capabilities, I’ve had the luxury of sending a text message to my sister.
We are saying goodbye again. They’re moving — not quite so far this time — but still much too far for a day trip.
Once again we enter the familiar, uncomfortable routine of saying goodbye, we’ll see you soon, but not soon enough, don’t grow up too much, little ones, we’ll miss you. We love you so very much.
Oh that must be a hard goodbye. My sister and I often wish that we lived nearer and to be able to see each other regularly without a computer screen in the way would be a dream come true. Fingers crossed that their move goes well and that you do get to see lots of each other still 🙂
Such fun! Thanks for sharing!
I can’t imaginebeing that far from my sisters. I know exactly what you mean about being familiar with their wardrobes! Thanks for sharing your pictures – it’s so much fun to grow up with your cousins. Hopefully they will have lots of skype chats with each other to stay in touch 🙂
Visiting you from the mom blog party.
I said good-bye once when my sister had to move away to her husband’s country. Now that she ends up coming back to our town, I can’t imagine ever saying good bye to her again. Hang in there! Sister is always the best and I’m sure it must be hard for you.
Aww I love these photos! Wishing your sister safe travels and that she comes back soon 🙂
Goodbyes are always hard. I hope the great memories you’ve made will help sustain you until you can make new ones!