Family, as defined in the dictionary is a specific group of people that may be made up of partners, children, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. Many families are separated because of either work, love or the need to live somewhere new. I was separated from my family when I moved from Colombia to the United States in search for something new. As a child it did not make much of a difference not having that many family members in the United States with me because I still had my parents and my two aunts to keep me company. As years have passed, yes my family has grown (with the addition to two cousins and an uncle) but it was still difficult not being able to see my grandparents every day or hang out with my cousins like many others could.

As I grow older I see how difficult and sad it is being separated from my family. When families post pictures online and you see all your cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents having a great time together at a party, you start to feel sad and lonely because you can't have that here.

Communication with your family can sometimes be difficult because not everyone has time in the day to talk. As time passes, you tend to forget how your family member’s voices sound; forgetting how they sound is common yet sad. After 17 years I find it awkward when it comes to talking to my cousins because I have never met them so we don’t have any background knowledge on one another. The conversations are strange and unfamiliar but we all try making the best of it because even though I don't know them all that well they are still my family whom I love and care for.

Since it’s the holiday season, I’d have to say this is the hardest time of year for my family and I because we tend to miss our family more, and I am sure I am not the only one who thinks the same. While many can have their whole family over for a celebration, we are on our own. It’s difficult not being able to say “Happy New Years” to your grandma and hug her right in the moment, instead I have to wait to call her, and sometimes the lines are jammed of others saying the same thing to their families who live far away, so sometimes I have to wait about an hour to speak to my family. For birthdays or other special events, I know that I can’t count on my family coming from Colombia because traveling for every special event can get expensive. Many are unable to go to their family member’s graduation or even wedding, which can be difficult because at the end of the day after all the great achievements made it would be great to look up and see the people you love there.

The homesickness is really bad when you start thinking about everyone back home. A lot of times people tend to miss home when life here is bad. They begin to regret their choices like maybe leaving everything behind and starting anew was a good idea. But everyone who leaves the nest has to remember they left for a reason.

If you are separated from your family, you have to remember that they will always be one phone call or text message away. In a time where Skype is the perfect method to see your family whenever you want, always remember they are just a click away. We get separated from our families for a reason; it’s our choice to leave the nest, but the nest will always be with us. Your family will always be permanent, yes they can’t always be there in person, but in spirit they will be forever there.