Thousands of kilometers from mom – for a big dream: Eglė Jackaitė speaks about her son's life in the USA

Lithuanian actress Eglė Jackaitė shares the story of her son, Elijas, who embarked on a journey to the United States at the young age of fifteen to chase his basketball dreams and pursue his education. Elijas is set to begin his 11th grade in the U.S. this September, marking a significant step in his athletic and academic pursuits.

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Elijas has been invited to play basketball and study in America since he was 15. He will go to 11th grade there in September.

Living on different continents presents challenges, but modern technology ensures the family remains closely connected. Jackaitė emphasizes that communication is constant, with social media platforms and phone calls bridging the miles. The family even maintains a dedicated group chat, facilitating frequent exchanges and keeping them updated on each other's lives.

Despite the physical separation, the moments Elijas returns to Lithuania for major holidays like Christmas and summer vacation are treasured. Jackaitė also makes an effort to visit her son in America as often as possible. Last spring, she and her elder son, Jokūbas, traveled to the U.S. for Easter to spend time together as a family.

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We communicate constantly, there are all the possibilities for this nowadays, only the time difference is different. We have created a family group on social networks with both my sons, so we write very often and, of course, call each other.

While parting with her son is not easy, Jackaitė finds deep satisfaction in witnessing Elijas's unwavering dedication to his goals. She believes the most important thing is knowing her child is in a place where he can grow, develop, and build his future. The strong family bond, nurtured by daily conversations and unwavering support, helps maintain their closeness across the miles.

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Elijas returns home for holidays – during the Christmas period and in the summer. I also visit him in America every year. Last spring, during Easter, my older son Jokūbas and I flew across the Atlantic to be all together.