For most, this statement is a little weird, crazy and not so unique. Most families spend more than 48 hours under one roof; in fact, most families spend almost every day with their loved ones. But for this family, 48 hours with everyone under one roof, is exciting and as a mother exhilarating.
For most people, the loud chitter-chatter drives you crazy! You know what I mean, right? The banter across the dining table or when everybody wants to talk over each other!!! All of the things that once drove me to the brink of insanity is now music to my ears. If you look closely, you can see me in the corner quietly laughing, with a grin from ear to ear.
I miss this crazy family being under one roof, and I miss the one denominator that can change the dynamics of the family in a blink of the eye. I call him my love but the kids call him dad! He injects life into this family, even though we only have him for 48 hours. Call me selfish, but I try not to include anybody into our cocoon anymore, especially when it is such a short trip.
Okay, sometimes he comes in full force with brutal honesty and conviction that we all are left floored by his ability to change a mood. But for most times his laughter (and silly dad jokes) engulf us with the goofy laughter we are all craving.
This year has been challenging for all of us, with fewer visits than we had hoped, so having time (anytime) together as a family is essential, because we are enjoying the normality that most people take for granted.
Yep, I am getting soppy, but for most expats, this is a normal life. Being away from someone you love is the norm, isn’t it? Whether your partner regularly travels for work, whether the kids are being educated abroad or whether you miss your immediate family in your home country, this is the reality.
Don’t worry; it is not all doom and gloom, I promise! It makes you appreciate the ones you love; no one is taken for granted and spending time together is something we all want (aren’t forced to do). Time is essential, time is something that we do not have much of, so we ensure it is used wisely.
So for now, right now as I watch the kids interact with their father, while I sit back and watch my husband laugh with the kids, and I realise I am in my happy place this memory will be etched in my mind for years to come.
