Though it's public knowledge that actor Derek Ramsay has a son from a previous relationship, many still wonder about his relationship with his son Austin, who's growing up away from the spotlight.
In a recent instagram post, the 41-year-old actor shared a glimpse into a recent opportunity to bond with his son while he was in Dubai, after spending a year apart. They last saw each other in December 2016.
"Words can't define how happy I am right now. God is good. Finally got to see my son again. Love you, Austin," he wrote in the Instagram post.
Austin, who's now 14 years old, is Ramsay's son with estranged wife Mary Christine Jolly. It's refreshing to see how the former couple have set aside their differences after a publicized legal battle some years back, which has since been settled.
Jolly is currently based in Dubai, where she moved with her son Austin after she and Ramsay separated. They wed in 2002. It was in 2011 when Ramsay acknowledged that Austin is truly his son.
In a previous interview with ABS-CBN, Ramsay confided that getting to know his son has been a "slow process.
"But in the short time I spent with him he called me dad," he recounts, "so it was a nice feeling."
Considering that they have to live in different countries, Ramsay knows they have a lot of things to work on.
"It's not the perfect situation, it's not the situation that I want," he says, adding that he is simply grateful for the opportunity to "fix things."
"When it comes to family, it's the most important thing for me."
How parents can maintain closeness with kids who live abroad
Even with technology, it can be difficult to keep in touch with loved ones abroad, especially for busy parents. But there are some steps you can take to make each reunion feel like you were never apart in the first place.
1. Use social media to your advantage
Keep a chat messaging thread going and make sure to update each other daily, even if it's just about random thoughts or even if it's just to share an interesting link you saw.
2. Nothing beats speaking eye-to-eye
In the same way, video and voice calls can truly bring you closer. Though you can't actually be there, being able to hear your voice or see your face can bring you closer together.
3. Get the family together for a group chat
If you have several relatives abroad, you can organize a group video or voice chat at least once every other week, just to catch up on how everyone is doing. Though you might be busy, strive to make family connectedness a priority.
4. Keep your promises
In parenting, as in life, it is important to follow through on your promises. Not only will this reassure kids of your love, they will also learn the importance of integrity and staying true to your word.
5. Make an effort to come home often
Finally, don't stay away for very long. There's nothing like being physically present, especially when you have younger kids.
Each family has their own set of struggles, but you can face almost anything if you strive to always put up a united front, to keep the closeness alive, no matter which part of the world you call home.
sources: ABS-CBN news, Philstar.com, LDRMagazine.com
READ: Long-Distance Parenting: How to stay in your child’s life
