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Distance can sometimes be a bittersweet reminder of the deep bonds that tie us to our loved ones.

I’ve been living in Australia for nearly 15 years. For those with family residing overseas, the ache of missing their presence can often be a complex emotional journey. I share this feeling with friends here in Adelaide who like me, were not born here and have our parents choosing to remain home.

When we miss family overseas, it's like having a mix of feelings. We might remember good times and feel a bit sad. On special days, we might wish they were here to celebrate with us. We might even want to see their faces when we do important things.

Here are some of the things my international friends and I do:

• Video calls: Even though they're far, we can talk to them on screens. It's not the same as being next to them, but it helps us feel close.
• Family traditions: We can do special things that remind us of our family's culture. It's like keeping our bond strong even when we're far away.
• Shared fun: Doing things we both like can make us feel connected. We can read the same books, watch movies together, or even play games online. My parents are certainly of a different generation, but I love sending them memes, IG reels or even TikTok grabs.
• Sending love: We can write letters or send gifts to show we care. Even though they're far, our love still reaches them. Nowadays what we do, is send them special presents delivered to their door. With global online shopping, my parents are able to do the same, usually surprising me with a delivered special meal or a gift voucher for an indulgent spa treat.
• Waiting for visits: Looking forward to seeing them again can make us feel better. Just thinking about hugging them can give us hope.

Missing family overseas shows how strong our connections are, no matter where we are. Every time we miss them, it's like a reminder of the fun times, the things we've shared, and how much they mean to us. We feel both love and longing, and it's okay – it’s a testament to how important these relationships are to us.

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leaving her country

was not easy for my mother

i still catch her searching for it

in foreign films

and the international food aisle

-Rupi Kaur, the sun and her flowers