Family is without a doubt a very important staple in our lives. Ultimately, we rely on our families for our most basic needs- love, security, and companionship. But what happens when our beloved family members, the ones closest to us, live so far from us? How do we preserve our close family ties when those so dear to us are hundreds, or even thousands of miles away? Most of all, how do we cope with the pain of missing those whom we love the most, but do not often get to see? Though having family that live far away is a difficult experience, there are a few things that happen as a result, whether expected or unexpected.

1. You talk on the phone. A LOT.

When you don’t often get to see family members because of distance, you end up spending a lot of time on the phone with them, talking about the latest drama, news from back home, or even just about your day. When you don’t get to see them in person, it’s nice to be able to talk on the phone so that you can at least hear their voice and get advice, just like you would if they were physically present.

2. You treasure the visits that you do have with them so much more, since they don’t happen often.

I always look forward to visiting my family in Florida. I don’t get to visit them very often, so when I do, that makes it so much more special and significant. Most times, we will go 5 or more years without seeing each other, so when we are reunited after so much time apart, it makes our time together so much more meaningful.

3. Goodbyes become so much more difficult.

When you only see your family every few years, goodbyes become a lot harder. I think this is because as sad as it is, you have learned how to cope with not being with your family all the time, so when you do get to see them and spend time with them, it becomes so much harder to leave them. Saying goodbye has always been an emotional time for my family, and something that we always dread. We’ve been going through our tearful goodbyes for about thirty years now, and it’s never gotten easier to say goodbye. Frankly, I don’t think it ever will.

4. Obviously, you miss them all the time.

There isn’t a second that goes by that you don’t wish that you were together rather than apart. Whenever something big happens in your life, your heart breaks knowing that they aren’t physically there to share your joy and celebrate with you. Granted, some days are easier than others. Some days you’re so busy that you might not even think about it, whereas others, all you want to do is hop on a plane and go see them as soon as you can. Ultimately, you take it one day at a time, and cope with the situation as best you can, because that’s all you can do.

5. Somehow, the distance makes you love them more.

Although it’s a cliché saying, “distance makes the heart grow fonder” certainly applies to this situation. From being far away, you learn how to love them more and sustain your relationship, even when you aren’t able to see each other all the time. You treasure them, and the time you do get with them, and you learn to take nothing for granted, not even a phone call. Most of all, you learn the true meaning of family, and how lucky you are to have them, even if they are 1,024 miles and six states away.