Yet Another Holiday: Some Musings About Family.

Having completely uprooted my life not that long ago, I have often sat feeling sorry for myself because of how lonely I've been. I recently just realized how much allnurses has done for me to get me out of that funk. If I am lonely, I come on and socialize. If I am upset, I come and vent to you guys. If I have a question, I know someone will have awesome advice for me. Like my family, there are a few here I look up to greatly. There are a few that just make me shake my head. There are also some I just love to hate! Nurses Announcements Archive Article

Yet Another Holiday: Some Musings About Family.

My family is an extremely close one. We all grew up in the same general area, with only 2 exceptions (an uncle who visited every few years and an aunt every summer). My immediate family is even closer. We see each other as often as we can, and keep very little from each other. Some find that strange, but it's just how things have always been for us.

All of that changed for me a few years ago. I had always had it in the back of my head to try nursing in the US. I mostly thought I would attempt travel nursing though. Then I met my fiance, born and raised in Georgia.

We visited a few times and talked about moving there. When I got pregnant, we realized it was the perfect time to follow through. I wasn't working due to my pregnancy. I would not need to worry about finding work for a while because of my maternity leave. So we picked up and left.

My fiance had brought up the subject of how hard it would be for me, how lonely I would be without my family. I argued that I would be fine, "That is why we have Skype and phones!"

Little did I know how right he was going to be. Not only did I think Skype would be enough, but I also believed in my delusional pregnant mind that I would be able to fly up twice a year, and that my beloved family would make a few trips down themselves (they all said they would). Since my arrival in the US, I have had 2 visits. My mother came when my daughter was born, and my father a few months later. My daughter is now 21 months old.

So here I was, a few days ago, thinking about Easter and how my family back home would be getting together for dinner, and I would be missing it again.

How did I get my mind off of it all?

Got on my smart phone and logged on to allnurses. Browsed, and thought of other things. And I realized that in a way, maybe a little bit of a sad way really, allnurses was kind of like my home away from home.

If I am lonely, I come on and socialize.

If I am upset, I come and vent to you guys.

If I have a question, I know someone will have awesome advice for me.

Like my family, there are a few here I look up to greatly. There are a few that just make me shake my head. There are also some I just love to hate!

I guess what I am saying is, thank you allnurses. Thanks to all of you who help me get through this. I know there are many on here who feel the same.

I don't know what I would do without the support on here. Thanks, and hugs.

uRNmyway

About uRNmyway, ASN, RN

Med-surg, mother-baby; 27 years old, Canadian trained and trying to cope with the biggest move of my life!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

((HUGS))....I live away form family as well....I miss them every single day. Thank god they finally invented unlimited long distance for my phone bills used to be outrageous!!!!

I'm away from my family and have been for about 5 years. It's still hard around the holidays but I keep them in my heart and know that they are always available over the phone when I need them. Thank you for your post and the kind words :)

God bless!!

My family isn't that close and actually lives all over the western world....I moved completely alone for a job. It can be hard for me occasionally so i can imagine what it is like for someone who was super close with their family. Obviously, I go on AN too when ai am bored but if I start thinking of the time I've spent on it, it makes me question my use of time! I work almost every holiday and try to forget about them. I don't celebrate most of them and live alone so it is pretty easy.

Hi all I too live away from my family which is very hard since I have never lived away from home, I don't live that far only about 3 hours but with being in school full time and my husband working on the weekends it is hard to go back home. I just found you guys here tonight so I hope that in the future I too can also maybe meet new friends who could help me through this time, especially through the nursing school. I also live in Georgia.

Specializes in Med-Surg.

Welcome to All Nurses nikkidevries. I hope it brings you the assistance and support you need! Feel free to PM if you need anything or have any questions!

Family support is really important for me as well. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Specializes in Family practice, emergency.

I feel for you, Jeweles26! I moved far from my family, also leaving friends behind, and find it is really hard to meet people where we moved, especially with a young kid. You are in my prayers.

All I have to say is thank God for Skype.

Specializes in L&D.

I moved away from my family, but they are not in a different country than I am. I feel for you! I haven't seen my dad in 3 years. :( I miss 'em.

I too love AN. Thanks for your post!

Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

Mine are dead....but I have lots of memories.My husband and our son and I are creating new "non-traditional" traditions for our holidays.Easter dinner will be grilled cheese and tomato soup.( I am working) The soup will be homemade and the array of cheeses will be impressive but no ham or turkey will be seen.

Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Very well written, Jeweles. I'm glad you're here, too! :yes: