My experience with my family in Armenia

Maral Manoukian,
Sydney, Australia

When I came to Armenia I never imagined what sort of impact it would have on my life, how much it would change my perspective, how much it would make me learn about myself, my history, my culture, and my family. Now, almost 8 months in, almost at the end of my journey, I am still discovering so much.

Earlier this week I visited my aunt in Hoktemperyan who showed me a letter my mother wrote to her while she was living in Beirut in 1980. My aunt and her family were Syrian migrants who moved back to Armenia post-Genocide, in hopes that the rest of the family would do the same. My Grandma migrated to Lebanon and after marrying and having children eventually my parents did the same and made their way to Sydney. And ever since we have been separated.

Although it's the first time I met my Ozhig mokur, it's like I've known her my whole life. As we read all the letters my mum had written over the years we couldn't hold back the tears. My mum was 16 years old when she wrote this letter. And although this is the reality we live in we are so blessed to experience this closeness despite our distance.

Being apart from my family has been so hard this year. But when I come across gems like this and experience moments like this, I am quickly reminded that every second has been worth it!