Barcelona 13th of July, 2015.
Roaming the city visiting shops trying to buy something very special, something that will make up for my absence in the past 2 months.
I have lived away from my home country for 17 years, I was even born away but never felt homesick because to me home is where your family lives.
Today is my brothers’ birthday. The two that are closest to my heart the most and I would literally give my eyes to. The two that have always treated me and protected me like I was their little baby princess. I have always been bothered by that because it was kind of hard to live independently when you always have someone looking after you and keeping an eye on you and making sure you are happy, safe and in good health.
I couldn’t just pick up the phone and say: Yaaay Happy Birthday!!
The past two months were cold enough because I was too busy experiencing a new life.
Nothing at the shops was special enough for this occasion, so I started brainstorming ideas with my friends on how to wish my brothers a happy birthday and a great year when we haven’t been speaking much lately.
Compromises… That’s what you come to deal with when you choose to live away from home, family and friends. This is the first Ramadan I spend without my family and this Eid is going to be my first Eid away from home.
This experience is totally worth the selfish decision that I have made, but nothing beats a family gathering over a cup of tea and a warm talk.
Sarah Qabbani