Hi friends,
Today I want to share something a little more personal.
Opening my heart like this doesn’t always come easily. Vulnerability can feel uncomfortable, and sometimes it’s easier to keep our feelings tucked away. But I have learned that when we share honestly, we often discover that many others are carrying the very same emotions.
For the past several weeks, I have been spending time in Brazil with my family. As many of you know, I live far away from my parents, and because of that, every visit feels incredibly precious.
I am an only child, and being separated from my parents is one of the hardest parts of living abroad. We don’t have the luxury of seeing each other whenever we want. We can’t simply meet for lunch, stop by for coffee, or celebrate every special moment together. Because of that, whenever we have the opportunity to be together, we hold on tightly to every moment.
People often ask about vacations, travel plans, and all the beautiful places in the world they dream of visiting. And while there are certainly many places I would love to see someday, I find myself choosing something different.
I choose family.
The truth is that most of our vacation time is spent coming here, spending time with the people we love. Could we be exploring somewhere new? Of course. But right now, my heart is drawn to the people who matter most.
Time is a gift.
And when the people you love live far away, you become deeply aware of how valuable that gift truly is.
This visit has been filled with simple moments that don’t look extraordinary from the outside. Long conversations. Shared meals. Watching my girls laugh with their grandparents. Sitting together without rushing anywhere. Ordinary moments that somehow become the most meaningful memories.
At the same time, this season has also reminded me how difficult it is when your heart belongs in more than one place.
Part of my heart is here with my parents, my family, and the place where so many of my roots were planted.
Another part of my heart is back home with my husband, our life together, our routines, our friends, my work, and all the beautiful things God has built for us there.
Living between two worlds can be both beautiful and painful.
As this visit comes to an end, I find myself feeling grateful and heartbroken all at once.
Grateful for every hug, every conversation, every memory made.
Heartbroken because goodbyes never get easier.
No matter how many times you do it, leaving the people you love always hurts.
Thankfully, we live in a time when video calls, messages, and technology help bridge the distance. Those little screens cannot replace a hug, but they certainly make the waiting a little easier.
Lately, I’ve been trying to prepare myself emotionally, mentally, and spiritually for the transition back home. It’s a bittersweet feeling.
I am excited to return to my home, my routines, my responsibilities, and the life waiting for me there.
But I am also grieving the end of this season of togetherness.
And maybe that’s what love does.
Maybe when we truly love people, there will always be a little ache when it’s time to say goodbye.
So if there is one thing I want to leave you with today, it is this:
Enjoy the people you love.
Be present.
Put the phone down sometimes.
Have the conversation.
Stay a little longer.
Take the picture, but don’t forget to live the moment too.
The dishes can wait. Social media can wait. The notifications can wait.
The people we love cannot.
One day, these ordinary moments will become some of our most treasured memories.
Use your time wisely.
Love deeply.
Allow yourself to be loved.
And don’t take for granted the beautiful gift of simply being together.
With love and grace,
Tay ♡
Little Blessings Mama 