Do we sometimes neglect the feelings of parents who stay behind when their children decide to emigrate. In this conversation, I speak with Rene Koekemoer, a South African mother who has two daughters who live abroad. We discuss the emotional journey of being a parent left behind, the sacrifices made by both parents and children, and the impact of distance on family dynamics. Rene shares her experiences of coping with separation, the importance of support systems, and the unconditional love that drives parents to want the best fortheir children, even when it means living far apart. The discussion with Rene left me with a clear understanding of the emotional rollercoaster of a parent with children abroad. Her journey clearly reflects the emotional complexities of being a parent left behind. Parents often suppress their emotions to remain strong for their children. Support systems for parents left behind are non-existent. “I will never judge them."- René Koekemoer Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Immigration02:44 Life as a Parent Left Behind05:51 Navigating Emotions of Separation08:47 Understanding the Decision to Leave11:54 The Impact of Distance on Family Dynamics14:47 The Loss of Family Connections17:32 Coping with the Emotions of Departure20:38 The Role of Support Systems23:23 Finding Positivity in Separation26:34 Advice for Parents of Immigrants29:27 The Unconditional Love ofParents Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at [email protected]

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