Some Days Feel Heavier Than Others
By Curlann
@annierose (21843)
United States
January 12, 2026 7:46pm CST
For those of you who have already read my previous discussion about my mom’s flight to the Philippines, I want to share an update. She flew back home last week and is now safely there. I would also like to sincerely thank all the MyLotters who prayed for her. Your prayers truly mean a lot to me and my family.
When we took her to the airport, I felt like crying. I don’t know when I will see my mom again, and because of her age, it is not easy for her to travel back to the USA. Today is my first day alone in the house. My husband went to work and will be home later tonight.
This morning, I watched the online Mass and prayed, just like I used to do when my mom was still here. As I listened to the Mass, I couldn’t help my tears from falling. I miss her so much.
I am grateful for my marriage and the life my husband and I are building together. Living in America with him means being far from my family, and sometimes the distance is felt more strongly, especially when it comes to our parents.
How do you adjust when a loved one leaves and the house suddenly feels different?
6 people like this
6 responses
@AmbiePam (110042)
• United States
10h
I am glad she got there safely, but I can’t imagine how much you miss her. I really wish it didn’t hurt so much, but I know it does.
When the loneliness seems to get to me from an empty apartment, I try to get out and do something. Church helps, and getting in touch with friends helps too.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (110042)
• United States
9h
@annierose Feel free to PM me if you ever want to chat.
Feel free to PM me if you ever want to chat.1 person likes this
@annierose (21843)
• United States
9h
@AmbiePam That’s so thoughtful of you, Amber. Thank you. It truly means a lot to me.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21843)
• United States
9h
Thank you so much, Amber. It really does hurt more than I expected. I appreciate you understanding that. You are right! Listening to God's word and praying gives me comfort, and reaching out to friends reminds me I’m not alone. Thank you for the gentle reminder and for your kindness.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (165684)
• United States
13 Jan
I'm glad your mom made it safely back home to the Philippines. 
When my daughter turned 18 and I took her to college and left her there for 4 years, I didn't cope very well... Her mother and I had a bad divorce and I got custody of Pretty when she was 5 years old. It had just been the two of us for years and I missed her badly... I called her often (too often according to her) and sent her boxes of homemade cookies and candies once a month. (She shared those boxes with her college friends. The other kids were happy to get homemade things. 
)
When my daughter graduated from college, I drove back and brought her home again. She has a boyfriend far away from us but talks to him over the computer and plays video games with him every day.
One day, I'm sure she'll leave and move in with him... Hopefully, not soon, though.
When my daughter turned 18 and I took her to college and left her there for 4 years, I didn't cope very well... Her mother and I had a bad divorce and I got custody of Pretty when she was 5 years old. It had just been the two of us for years and I missed her badly... I called her often (too often according to her) and sent her boxes of homemade cookies and candies once a month. (She shared those boxes with her college friends. The other kids were happy to get homemade things. )
When my daughter graduated from college, I drove back and brought her home again. She has a boyfriend far away from us but talks to him over the computer and plays video games with him every day.
One day, I'm sure she'll leave and move in with him... Hopefully, not soon, though.1 person likes this
@annierose (21843)
• United States
9h
I can feel how close you and your daughter are, and how hard that separation must have been for you. The care you showed her, even from afar, says so much about your love as a parent. It’s comforting to know that missing someone deeply is part of loving them fully. Thank you for understanding and for sharing your experience.
1 person likes this
@luisadannointed (10147)
• Philippines
17h
Are you a Filipina? I think all of the married women have to adjust, because they are really meant to leave their families when they have to build one. More Filipinas are adjusting there vlogging and do a lot of fun stuff in their Facebook reels. My mom loves to watch them. I pray that God will send you enough love and make your husband more loving each day that it will somehow help you not to get homesick. God bless.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21843)
• United States
9h
Yes, I am Filipina. Thank you for your thoughtful words and prayers. I have also noticed that many Filipinas do a lot of vlogging and fun activities online to enjoy themselves while living abroad. I wish I could do that too, but I’m not confident showing myself in front of the camera, so I just read books, watch TV, and clean the house. I love how Filipinas find ways to stay joyful and connected, even from afar. Your prayer truly means a lot to me. God bless you as well.
@almostoveryou (4881)
• Philippines
13 Jan
I'm glad that she got home safely. My husband has the same dilemma. His mom is based in California and can't fly to the Philippines anymore due to old age. So, it's my husband who flies to San Jose to spend time with her.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21843)
• United States
9h
Thank you, Macy. I can relate so much to your husband’s situation. It’s really hard when parents reach an age where travel becomes difficult. It’s good that he’s able to spend time with his mom, even if it means flying to her. Family time becomes even more precious in situations like these.
@MarieCoyle (53315)
•
13 Jan
Oh, I am sure you will miss her a lot. Hopefully, you can make some friends there where you are soon, and that will help somewhat. I remember you were concerned as you said your mom was scared to fly by herself, I am glad to read that she was able to do that. There is a lot of truth to that saying ''Life's about changes, nothing stays the same.'' Some changes are often good and so easy...and some are hard and rather heart wrenching. Hang in there!!
1 person likes this
@annierose (21843)
• United States
9h
Thank you, Marie! Your words are comforting, and I appreciate the encouragement more than you know. Yes, I was very worried about her flying alone, so I’m truly grateful everything went well, even though she was very nervous. We stayed in a hotel for one night, and that day she told us she wanted to go back to our house in Vegas because she was afraid. We tried to comfort her, and I called my older sister to talk to her while we were in the hotel to encourage her to fly.
@2ndchances24 (11452)
• Cloverdale, Indiana
19h
It's not easy when you're parents are up in age & far from you
in another state & travel is hard for them to come visit you.
I know it's not the same but when my husband was a Simi
driver going state to state gone for mons at a time & I stayed
home with nothing to do I'd find something to keep me busy
he didn't like the idea of me working so that was out, I didn't
have a way to get around car wise, so I would take walks.
Thank God we didn't live far from town & I could take the day
to walk & window shop, but when I didn't walk to town I'd just
walk through town to kill some time on my hands & think.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21843)
• United States
9h
Thank you for sharing that, Gayle. I admire how you found ways to keep yourself busy and grounded during those long stretches alone. Taking walks and giving yourself space to think sounds simple, but it really does help. Thank you for the reminder and for understanding.
