It dawned on me that I made my family sound like a bunch of villains for seemingly not celebrating my new life.

I need to clarify- they absolutely did support me and still continue to.

They celebrate every success, cheer me on through each new endeavor, and have my back through every loss. The thoughts I have surrounding my relocation are 100% in my own head.

My own guilt.

My own grief over the loss of the physical closeness and spontaneity.

Maybe even a little self-importance.

A desire for control-and to be needed.

Do they need me if they can go about their lives when I am not a physical presence?

YES. They need me – but it’s because I am loved not because they need me to take control of their lives, their decisions, their happiness.

Even if I was right there holding their hands, I can’t stop bad things from happening. (Maybe that’s the frustration? The utter lack of control to make sure everything is perfect and everyone is happy?)

They have my unconditional love and support. And I have theirs.