Barbara comes in

WHEN TWO WORLDS COLLIDE:

by Barbara Scott

I read with interest your story on the couple who are living in one country whilst their families are in another. This is a very familiar situation to me. When people leave their homeland to start a new life abroad there nearly always is a conflict of loyalties. In the case of this married couple and their new child they both have the same problem. When it is only one of a couple who has this dilemma it is probably harder. Lots of people here in the UK move abroad too and obviously miss their families. It is, however, much easier for them to travel back and forth between countries if finances permit. It wasn't always so. In the 1960's many young couples emigrated to Australia and Canada in search of a better life. They mostly did so with an 'assisted package' which allowed them to travel for as little as £10! Some settled down well but many didn't. The homesickness set in and often it ended in broken marriages when one wanted to stay and the other didn't.

I am sure your friends will take strength from one another and keep in contact with their respective families by any means possible. Everyone must seek their own destiny and, like all other forms of life, make the break from their parents or siblings at some stage. In some cultures this is harder than others because of the strong sense of duty to the family. This is where it is hard. How far does that obligation go? It is important to be aware of your roots but if you move to another country you must learn to put down your roots there also. They will never forget their heritage and will no doubt make their child aware of his. I wish them well.