My other family

Just like millions around the world I have two families. Here in South Africa my dear husband, children, their spouses and our wonderful grandchildren. we're truly blessed. Sorry, our wonderful children :)
In Australia my birth family, my mum, sister, brother, nieces, nephews, spouses, significant others, great niece and nephews. So many people to love - no problem there - and so many to miss.
It's painful sometimes but just like those millions of compadres I just go with the flow of life.
When I was eighteen I chose to leave my birth family and travel to South Africa to join my one true love and start our life together.
I don't ever regret my choice but be warned, would -be adventurers, it hurts a lot some days and you have to set aside a little corner of your mind as a treasure chest where you keep memories and pictures of the ones you cherish.
As my sister's and brother's families have grown so I have missed out on getting to know them, to most of them I'm just an aunt living in Cape Town, another stranger. When times have been tough for the ones in Perth they've been tough for me, not being able to give a shoulder to cry on or a helping hand.
 For my mother the hurt has been harsh, she has three grandchildren and six great grandchildren here, the two youngest she's never met and there's no immediate prospect of them visiting her.
Tomorrow, 01 hundred Perth time, my niece Ella leaves for Europe on a three month adventure. she's leaving her sister and mum and dad behind but, she'll be back after having a ball overseas.
So the circle of life continues, all children should leave home, even if it's (hopefully) just down the street and all parents need their new senior time together. For us the last child left home when I was about 42 or so, we were so young. One came back, as they do and left again for another go at life.
I love both my families, and wish, as my mum does that I could just say
           "Beam me up Scottie" 
and I'd land in Perth for a quick visit - maybe one day.