I've spent Christmas with my elderly parents in the UK, but had to leave my wife back in Perth as we couldn't afford tickets for both of us.

I'm flying back to Perth tomorrow and am so looking forward to seeing my wife who I have missed hugely. The flip-side of this is saying goodbye to my parents, who I'm not going to see again until at least October.

It absolutely tears me in two, particularly as my Dad is now 76 and there is that horrible, horrible thought constantly in the back of my mind about whether this will be the last time I see him (or my Mum for that matter).

Moving to Oz has been great for me and my wife, but the fact that my parents are so far away is always a huge bump back down to earth.

I feel for you. It is always hard leaving parents -I've just been back for my dad's funeral, and it is suprising how frail my MIL is, though she tries to hide it. My mum has been crumbling since she was 40, but is only 71 so I expect her to go on for a bit yet.

I cope by trying not to think about it, and by weekly phone calls to MIL. My mum is such a technophobe that she won't even use the phone, so I rely on snail mail and my sister's e-mails.

Just got back from USA and Canada, feel pretty devastated too. Very close family there and my best mate ever.

I am trying to keep so busy I cant think about it.

But I keep waking up dreaming we are still there takes me a few seconds them BAMMM realise where I really am - awful.

The only thing that really works for me is the next ticket out - expensive habit that one from OZ. Plus a visa application but that never seems to move anywhere

It is a horrible feeling.When I left in July I tried to stay positive and was determined to see my parents again which I did.Regular phone calls will keep you a bit closer.I have to admit that it is hard not been near parents especially as they get older.Have a credit card handy just in case you had to dash back in an emergency.You must be looking forward to seeing your wife.Have a safe trip.