Last few days I've been away 'cause one of my sisters was visting and staying with us for a few days. She is the lst close family member from my side that I have seen in the past 14 months. All of my siblings, their children and my parents live 4,300+ kms. several provinces east of me. This means over 15 people. (Of course there is a whole basket of cousins --first & 2nd in the same province..who I don't know well which is ok. But they are also part of who I am also.)

I cannot afford to fly out every year to visit them and hence, chose this year not to. Though in past I did fly out annually but usually there was also double reason to this, a wedding or work related conference to tack on.

It was great time with this sister..showing her wonderful sights about town, etc. As usual got updated on family news. I feel sad and now realize that family, in the most positive moments, define at the very core root who we are. Even if we don't get along with family members fantastically.

Which does bring up a point that the reality that this forum could never fulfill for me certain things.

When family is so far away..more unusual things happen. ie. I got a 50th birthday gift and some cards....4 months in advance!