Greek photographer Marina Vernikos has bade farewell to her second child after he moved to Washington to begin his university studies.
Sharing the milestone in a personal social media post, Vernikos said the departure did not leave her with the sadness she had anticipated, but instead filled her with deep joy and pride as her son embarked on a new chapter in the United States.
Vernikos explained that she dropped her second child off in Washington so he could open a new chapter of his life, pursue his studies, meet new people, make mistakes, learn, laugh, dream, and gradually build his own path.
Reflecting on the moment of separation, the Athens-based photographer noted that she was surprised by her emotional state at the parting, explaining that she did not leave feeling sad, but rather left feeling happy and proud of her son's choice to forge his own journey.
Family and Distance
Vernikos focused particularly on her perspective regarding physical distance and family relationships, emphasizing that a child moving far away does not mean they become distant from their loved ones.
She noted that distance is not measured in kilometers when people are truly close to one another.
Drawing on her own personal background, Vernikos connected her upbringing with the values she seeks to offer her children. She explained that she grew up in a very close family and that her parents remain among her closest companions to this day.
That sense of upbringing shaped her approach to motherhood, as she sought to provide her own children with the confidence to know they can travel as far as they wish while knowing their home will always remain open to them.
Message to Her Son
A central part of her post was a direct message of encouragement addressed to her son, urging him to take full advantage of the opportunities opening before him and to explore the world without fear of change.
Vernikos encouraged him to go out and live, telling him to discover the world, pursue his personal dreams, and never hesitate to spread his wings as he builds an independent life overseas.
She reassured him that despite the new geographic separation, his family will remain a constant presence in his life, serving not as an obstacle or restraint on his choices, but as a reliable point of reference.
Vernikos wrote that her family will always be there, not to hold him back, but to remind him that wherever life takes him, there will always be a place where he is loved exactly as he is, adding that the place is called family and concluding with a declaration of her adoration for him.
