Long distant relationships - for family

If you think of someone in a long-distance relationship your mind will invariably go to the thought of couples being apart. Maybe one is in the armed forces, or working away, or even separated by politics keeping them in different countries. You don't often think of all of those parents with offspring who were encouraged to spread their wings and fly. Those happy, proud, heartbroken parents whose children did indeed fly. Nor do we consider siblings being wrenched apart in the same manner. Yet are these not long-distance relationships? Does it not put strain into what should be a blood-bonded natural relationship?

Of course it does but in a different way. My son will always be my son. The fact that I probably don't really know the man he now is will be melted away when we meet because of the natural bond we have. He will always be his sister's brother for the very same reasons.

The problem a mother (or father, or sister or brother) has is that we worry but can do so little.

For example, today my son needed some advice about an injury his cat has sustained. Once upon a time I would have been living in the same house, down the street, in the same town or at the very least in the same country. Now though, there's 5600 miles between us.
Thank God, humanity and technology for the fact that I don't have to wait for weeks for a letter or pay many pounds for an echoey hard-work phone call once a month. I do get to 'chat' with him any day of the week. And so today when I got the message I was at the very least able to offer some advice.

That said, when I know he could do with me there doing the 'mumsy' thing I have to reach out by message or chat services and advise practically. I can't show the compassion or the kindness he needs to help him as he anxiously considers what to do about his beloved cat. Emojis really don't cut it. I can't even 'put the kettle on' for him in that great British tradition when things are stressy. All I can do advise and sit back in my own bubble of anxiety waiting for a response.

And even if the distant person doesn't have cat issues, there's their own self. Are they still healthy? What about when they get ill, are they able to get the right care? Have they got food? Are they safe? Are they happy? Are they lonely? Are they in love? Too many things we take for granted being closer to our relatives that become a massive question when there's many miles between us. So, many times we will sit and wait and breathe a sigh of relief when one of our unasked questions are answered.

Now I wait today - which is his world is tonight - and see whether his cat will be ok? Can he afford the fees? Will he be upset ?
And I'll see if I get answers tomorrow to those unasked questions I always have.

To all of those who are away from family - call home...