Sakchi Bhandari
When my parents first met, they were young, full of dreams, and deeply connected through the letters they exchanged. My mom cherished each letter from my dad, lovingly crafted by his hand. She found comfort and closeness in his beautiful handwriting, even when they were apart. Their love story eventually led them to Japan, where they began a new chapter of their lives and where I, their daughter, became part of their journey.
As new parents, my mom and dad faced countless challenges. My dad, working tirelessly from 9 AM to 11 PM every day, sacrificed time with me, his precious daughter, in pursuit of a better future for us all. His long hours left him with little energy or time, but in his heart, I was always there. Mom tried her best to take care of me, but with both of them working so hard, they realized that they couldn’t provide the attention and care I needed in Japan. So, with heavy hearts, they made the difficult decision to send me to Nepal, where I could be raised by my grandparents and uncle.
At just 3 months old, my mom and I traveled back to Nepal, where I was welcomed with open arms by my grandparents and Mama. They gave me all the love and care that a child could need. At 9 months old, my mom had to return to Japan, and for the next three years, I stayed with my family in Nepal, growing up in their warmth and care. Those were challenging years for my parents-my dad worked tirelessly to build a business alongside his brothers, and my mom stood by his side, offering support in every way she could.
Eventually, my parents’ hard work paid off, and they were able to bring me to Japan. I was 3 years old when I was reunited with them. My parents, despite their exhaustion, made sure I felt loved. I didn’t fully understand the struggles they were going through at the time, but they never let me feel like I was missing out on anything. They took me around the city, made every moment special, and my dad, despite being tired, would always play silly games with me to keep me happy. Our time together was short, and soon I had to return to Nepal to start school.
From that point on, my visits to Japan became more frequent. Every year, I traveled to Japan, and with each visit, I saw how my parents were inching closer to the life they had dreamed of. I still remember the day my mom took me to Disneyland-one of my happiest childhood memories. We spent the entire day on rides, watching parades, and creating memories that I would hold onto for years. My time with Dad was different; although he was always busy at the restaurant, I would spend time there watching movies and enjoying the delicious food. Even though we didn’t get to play together often, those moments felt like the most cherished part of my childhood.
Coming back to Nepal always meant another year of school, which I didn’t enjoy much. But I was never lonely because I had my grandparents and Mama with me. My Mama was like a superhero to me, and I admired him so much. I remember visiting his college and watching him play football, thinking he was the coolest person on Earth. I would fiercely protect him from anyone who even remotely upset him, scolding them with all my tiny might. I must have looked ridiculous, but I didn’t care. He was my hero.
My Sanomuwa was another role model in my life. She was beautiful, confident, and never afraid to speak her mind. I loved spending time with her, especially when she would dress me up like her little doll or take me on fun rides. Her home was a place of joy for me, and I spent many happy days there. When she wasn’t around, I would stay with her parents. My aunt’s mother was a devout woman who loved telling me stories, each filled with wonderful twists that captivated me. Her father, though a police officer who seemed intimidating at first, was incredibly kind and always made me laugh.
Growing up, I was surrounded by people who loved me deeply. My grandparents, uncle, aunt, and extended family gave me a sense of belonging, even when my parents weren’t physically present. But Mother’s Day and Father’s Day were always hard for me. I saw my friends celebrating with their parents, and I felt a sense of loneliness. On those days, my grandparents would share stories about my parents-stories that made me feel closer to them even though they were far away. Despite the sadness, I never felt unloved.
My mama was a source of constant inspiration. He’s a hardworking man, someone I deeply admire. He even invented the Nyano Nani, a project that took him to remote places like Dolpa, where he taught uneducated children. I remember how he returned from one of those trips wearing an earring given to him by the kids in Dolpa. Even though everyone told him to take it off, he still wears it proudly to this day. That small act of kindness, his dedication to helping others, and his tireless work ethic shaped the way I view the world. When I was younger, I sometimes thought he was strict and uncool, but now I realize how incredibly lucky I am to have him in my life.
Then there’s my Sanobuwa and Sanomuwa, who always made my life in Nepal joyful. I admired my Sanobuwa, a strong man who worked hard, and my 232Imperial World School Sanomuwa, a woman full of courage and dedication. When I was only 9, my Sanomuwa gave birth to her first child, a little girl who quickly became my dearest sister. Even though she was technically my cousin, she felt like a sibling to me. We played together, and she adored me so much that she cried whenever I had to leave. People used to joke that I must have performed some kind of magic to make her love me that much, but our bond was simply unbreakable.
As time passed, I continued to visit Japan and spend time with my parents. But everything changed when I reached 8th grade. That year, my parents decided that it was time for my mom to return to Nepal permanently, to be with me during my teenage years. It was a decision made out of love, and I couldn’t have been happier. Having my mom back with me felt like everything was finally falling into place. We’ve grown so close-she’s my best friend now. I love sharing everything with her after school, from the smallest details to the biggest moments. We laugh together, and I’m grateful for every second I get to spend with her.
Though my dad still stays in Japan most of the time, he visits frequently, and I treasure our time together. There’s nothing like going on car rides with him, just the two of us. Even if our time together is brief, it means the world to me. And now, after 15 years, my family has grown with the arrival of my baby brother. He’s the cutest little bundle of joy, and he has brought so much happiness into all of our lives. Some people might think that having a younger sibling means I feel less loved or get less attention, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. There’s something magical about being the older sibling, knowing I’ll be able to guide him, protect him, and share everything I’ve learned from our amazing family with him.
This new chapter of my life, with my mom close by, my dad visiting, and a baby brother to love, feels like the culmination of everything my parents worked for. I now understand the sacrifices they made, the countless hours of hard work, and the time they spent apart from me so that I could have a better future. It’s a humbling realization, one that fills me with immense gratitude. As a child, I didn’t understand why my parents couldn’t always be there with me, but now I see it clearly-they were always there in the ways that mattered most.
Our family, whether spread across different countries or sitting together in the same room, is united by love, resilience, and the bond we share. The distance, the challenges, the separation-it all made us stronger, and it made me who I am today. I feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by people who have dedicated their lives to ensuring my happiness and success. Whether it’s my mom’s unwavering support, my dad’s quiet dedication, my uncle’s strength, or my grandparents’ love, I’ve always felt deeply connected to the people who raised me.
And as I look toward the future, I know that this love will continue to carry me forward. My parents, my brother, my grandparents, my uncle, and all those who’ve been a part of my journey have given me the foundation I need to chase my dreams. I can’t wait to see what life has in store for me, and I know that, no matter where I go or what I do, the love of my family will always be with me, guiding me, supporting me, and reminding me of who I am and where I come from.
This story is my tribute to the family who raised me-each one of them shaping me into the person I am today.
