We all have our own custom-made worries, responsibilities, musings, and quandaries…things we must do, things we dream of doing, and a whole bunch of things we don’t ever even want to think about doing. And it’s because of this that the weight of the world can, at times, get on top of us…and if we’re not careful – overwhelm us completely…
I’m having one of those times at the moment, I mean I’m fine for the most part – but not fine-fine…like if someone was to ask “how are you?” – I’d still reply with “I’m fine” – but it wouldn’t be entirely truthful, I’d just be sort of going through the usual motions, you know?
I’m a better liar than Ross though, I think…
That’s what they don’t tell you about leaving home for some far-flung country; the way you feel so feckless, helpless, useless, and a whole load other things with ‘less’ at the end. Apart from bless of course, as it’s no blessing to be away from family in times of need – in fact I’d argue the exact opposite; it’s a fucking curse.
You feel guilty for not being there, particularly during the more miserable occasions; deaths, illnesses, surgeries – all that fun stuff. But when you do return you realise that everyone is…well…everyone is fine – and that life has been rolling on without you, as it inevitably always will.
That’s the irony, I suppose – you feel selfish for being away from loved ones, and yet when you come back you feel selfish for believing you were so necessary to people’s daily survival that your homecoming should have been on a Jesus level…that the very sight of you should have cured all of the woes people had been suffering in your absence…that you were the missing piece, and now you’ve been found again – so let’s rejoice and have a thousand wines, or you know, whatever Jesus did*…
Artist’s rendition*
Either way, life’s not like that. It would be great if it was – but it isn’t, and that is hard to deal with. We have to make our decisions, and live with the consequences; “happily ever after” is just a narrow and simple-minded fallacy that seeks to act as a blanket statement to cover over all of life’s hidden intricacies and complexities…all of the pain, and suffering…all of the worry, and remorse…basically all of the things that mean you truly care, all of the things that make you a living, breathing, and feeling human.
Sucks to be you, sorry mate…I’m sure you’ll be fine.
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“Sucks to be you, sorry, mate…I’m sure you’ll be fine.” Oh, perfect! Smiling here 🙂
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Me too, now 🙂
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This describes living abroad perfectly 🙂 thanks for posting!
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Glad to hear I’m not the only one then! Thank you!
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Sorry your out of sorts… Speedy recovery to “fine” again…
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Appreciate that, thank you 🙂
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Heavy, yet true shit. We all want to be irreplaceable and it sucks to find out that people can survive without us, just like we can survive (and thrive) without them, even though we miss each other. Well said post, man.
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Thank you! And you’re right there Bailey, probably (well, definitely!) the same for other people on the other side! Eeee, life ey?
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Very true. I’ve had the same feelings living abroad as well and I’ve missed out on family life-events both good and bad while away. Nice post, I think you hit the nail on the head and really summed it up well here.
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Good and bad, yes ~ they’re all intertwined in the same feeling. Glad it resonated with you and hope you’re staying strong!
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My son lives in another country. When he first left, I thought I’d crumble to pieces. I didn’t…at least not permanently. Life went on. BUT if he were to come home again…to stay…and I’d be all a tremble with joy. Bet your mom would be too. And I bet your mom would love to be there for you when you are having a “not quite fine” day.
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