“Everyone Said Long-Distance Family Ties Were Better, But I Was Skeptical”: A Revelation After an Unexpected Event

When my husband Roger and I decided to settle in Seattle after graduating from the University of Washington, it wasn’t an easy decision. We both hailed from different parts of the United States—Roger from sunny California and myself, Piper, from the bustling streets of New York City. The decision meant that visits to our families would be limited to holidays and special occasions.

Initially, I was skeptical about the advice everyone gave us: “Long-distance family relationships are easier.” How could less physical presence and fewer face-to-face interactions be beneficial? It seemed counterintuitive.

The first year was challenging. The 12-hour flights, the scheduling around holidays, the brief weekends that barely allowed time to truly reconnect—it all felt overwhelming and, frankly, insufficient. I missed the spontaneous dinners with my parents and the casual hangouts with my siblings. Roger felt the same; he missed surfing with his brother Vincent and the backyard barbecues that were his family’s tradition.

However, an incident last summer changed my perspective entirely. It was late July, and Roger and I were preparing for our annual visit to California. A week before our trip, Roger’s father, Walter, had a minor heart attack. It was a shock to everyone, given Walter’s active lifestyle and general good health.

We rushed to California, worried and anxious. Thankfully, by the time we arrived, Walter was stable and recovering. During our stay, we spent a lot of time with Roger’s family, more than we usually could during our brief holiday visits. It was during these extended days, filled with conversations, hospital visits, and supporting each other, that I realized the true value of our long-distance relationship with our families.

Being away had given us the space to grow independently and appreciate our roots more deeply. Each visit became about quality, not quantity. We engaged more meaningfully during our stays, having long, deep conversations that might not have occurred in the regular hustle of daily proximity.

Moreover, the distance made us utilize technology creatively to stay connected. Weekly video calls with my parents and Roger’s family, sharing updates via group chats, and sending postcards brought a different kind of closeness. It kept the anticipation alive, making each physical reunion more special and heartfelt.

By the time we left California, Walter was much better, and our family bonds felt stronger than ever. The incident, though frightening, brought us closer and deepened our understanding of why sometimes, distance does make the heart grow fonder.

Now, back in Seattle, Roger and I cherish our long-distance family ties more than ever. We’ve learned that while we may not be physically near all the time, our hearts and thoughts are always together, bridging the miles with love and care.