Faraway and Isolated

Here in front of my computer- 8763 miles from my home. Relatives. They remember me fresh in there memory- but here I was, not a single clue on who they were and the lives they’d held.
Let me explain, the Sri Lankan Civil War has brought my Father and many others across the world as refugees. Now citizens of there fleeing destination- there children and families settled there. We slowly began to forget why we left, the fight and lives that were lost due to the war- remain fresh in Sri Lanka but here…
So do we even remember our counterparts, our families, our friends in Sri Lanka. Why has the communication been lost, surely now that the war is over- those who fled, should do there part, remake those connections, tie those ties. No. Once again most try, but the ache to try and to integrate, to settle back in our own country is gone. Why? - well its easier isn’t it.
But what we have to remember is there are people who know us back in our motherland, people who cherish our memories- they never forget us. But here we are, the ties severed not because we don’t want them because we can’t be bothered.
Here I am by myself without my grandparents, uncles, aunties and dozens of cousins, those with all your family near don’t take it for granted- cherish your loved ones because those less fortunate can’t.
These borders, The distance. Only did I realise the lives lead respectfully, majestically by my elders- when I myself went to Sri Lanka- until then nothing. What are we doing so far from family, is it for money. Where else are you going to attain the happiness and feel content, it’s impossible.
But there is nothing I or you can do about this, you can visit your homeland as much as you want but we will never ever get that eternal warmth and welcoming. Don’t forget your roots- ever.
By Lavan Vickneswaran