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Original poster

A month ago on Sunday, I waved my son off..

22 replies

StillMedusa · 20/03/2020 23:25

To go to Australia. To be with his lovely Aussie fiance.
Hated seeing him go, but sent him with a smile, knowing how hard it has been for them to be apart last year when her visa ended. We saved, he saved, much worry and paperwork and his couples visa was approved and off he went.
Now he's there, her job has just gone with the virus, he's had one interview (finger's crossed, he's in special ed and also care work)

But.. he can't come home. No matter what. I can't go there. Australia has just locked its borders. Ignoring the 'first world problems' his sister's wedding (he was going to be best man) and other things, my first born son is on the other side of the world and it's no longer 'just a flight away'

I miss him so much :(

OP posts:

HollowTalk · 20/03/2020 23:27

Oh that's so sad. But you know those borders won't be locked for that long; you'll be able to see him soon. I hope he and his girlfriend stay safe. You must really miss him.

CatherineOfAragonsPomegranate · 20/03/2020 23:29

So sorry, don't know what to say but

IthinkIsawahairbrushbackthere · 20/03/2020 23:30

That must be so hard. Mine are scattered all over the UK. My first born is only 70 miles or so from me but he might as well be on the other side of the world because they can't travel. Everyone was supposed to be home on the 4th for youngest's 18th birthday but now no one is coming, not even her friends.

He's your son. You are going to miss him and be sad. Now is the time for Facetime to really come into its own.

JackiFazaki · 20/03/2020 23:31

Gosh, that's really tough for you. Sitting here with you,

magimedi · 21/03/2020 07:29

My DS is also abroad, with his family, though not as far as yours and I can't go there - borders locked.

It's tough but I remember what my late MIL told me about when her beloved brother was posted to Asia in WWII & that it took 8 weeks for a letter to arrive telling them he'd got there. Subsequent letters took 3 - 4 weeks. Thank gawd we have skype & email & phones.

latedecember1963 · 21/03/2020 07:41

Sending you a socially distanced hug, Stillmedusa.
It's 3 weeks since we said goodbye to our son at Adelaide airport having just spent 3 weeks holiday with him. He's an exchange student at Adelaide University. He's taken the decision to stay because his studies are still available to him.He was worried that he could get part way through the journey home but then get stranded in Dubai or Doha if his connecting flight to the UK got cancelled at which point he wouldn't be able to return to Adelaide.
He was 21 last Friday and I am so impressed with how grown up and sensible he is being but, like you, I wish I could give him a hug.
I hope your son and fiance get work soon.

latedecember1963 · 21/03/2020 07:45

Just spotted you are in the same boat, Magimedi. It's the loss of choice, isn't it? It's one thing, travelling off knowing you can come home, it's a whole different feeling having those choices taken away.

Dowser · 21/03/2020 07:55

So sorry to hear that op and late December.
I’m a silly, sentimental old sod and I would find it very hard too.
We went to Tenerife at beginning of March and with how quickly everything has been turned on it’s head we were locked down for the last 4 days of our stay.
My daughter isn’t a panicker but I could tell she was concerned.
Fortunately we got on a plane on Wednesday,we should still be there till the 25 th
I think she was just relieved we were home.
We are all pulling together in these stressful times.
I hope you get together soon and their situation changes.
Poor lad he will be going into their winter, so not much chance to get some natural vitamin d from the sunshine.

magimedi · 21/03/2020 07:56

@latedecember I think your remark about having choices taken away really sums up so much of the whole situation.

We'll get there - got to stay positive.

StillMedusa I really feel for you, having this on top of when you would be getting through the first pangs of saying goodbye to your darling son.

Silvercatowner · 21/03/2020 08:04

My son has been on a different continent for 5 years now. I miss him so much but it does get easier. I can't imagine what it would be like without Skype.

Windyatthebeach · 21/03/2020 08:08

My dd just got back from Italy before it closed. Ds is on lockdown in an army training camp in London..
Another ds has lost his job.
My head feels like it's going to explode with stress.
The youngest are now all off school and in one place - feels a bit easier now most are under the roof..
The adult dc are still a worry!!

Smilethoyourheartisbreaking · 21/03/2020 08:12

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

potter5 · 21/03/2020 08:12

I feel your pain. I'm in the same situation. Son lives in Australia. Our flights for holiday to see him in April cancelled. Worried about him as he is self-employed. Will facetime him today to see if he needs any money as he has a partner and 10 month old baby, my beautiful grand daughter who I was especially looking forward to seeing.

Hopefully we will go and see them at Christmas if this is all over by then.

latedecember1963 · 21/03/2020 08:14

Dowser, I recognise you from a decluttering thread I was on in January. I haven't done much decluttering since we got back, but I was only saying to DH last night I'm going to get started again as a distraction.

crimsonlake · 21/03/2020 08:35

I am the same as my son was working in Spain and is now in lockdown with his flatmates. Several weeks ago he had bronchitis and has still not recovered and he is not the best at looking after himself and cooking. I wanted him to come home but he has to stay, it is a constant worry.

amatsip · 21/03/2020 08:35

I'm due to become a first time grandma in summer, my son is in Pa USA, I wont be able to see my grandchild for a while, hurts but It is what it is sadly.

WhatHappenedThen · 21/03/2020 08:43

I'm sad I can't see my parents and they are only two hours away. I'm not surprised you feel sad about your son. Do you FaceTime each other?!

blueskys72 · 21/03/2020 08:47

My friend's flight from Oz was cancelled, then a couple of hours later he was allocated another one. Hang in there

diddl · 21/03/2020 09:19

He's there because he's moved though, not because he's stuck!

If not for the wedding, neither of you might have been travelling to see each other before borders are opened again anyway?

Flyonawalk · 21/03/2020 21:39

Sorry to hear that StillMedusa - it’s very hard not to have our loved ones with us. and this closing of borders makes the world feel so spaced out. However it cannot last forever. People will need to travel and trade again or economies will sink. The world will open up before long. I hope you can stay strong. Sending positive vibes.

Flyonawalk · 21/03/2020 21:42

Potter5 surely life will be back to normal Christmas. A trip to see the baby is a great thing to look forward to.

ZebrasAreHorsesInPyjamas · 22/03/2020 05:27

I feel your pain - my 11 year old daughter goes to boarding school in the UK. She only started last September so it's still all new. Husband and I are temporarily living abroad due to DH's job. They closed the border to non-residents with only a few hours notice. Now the school is closed and she's stuck there and we are stuck here.

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