The Rust Belt is a region overflowing with sad tales, but the forced separation of families due to economic reasons is the greatest tragedy of all.

I hear it all the time, whether it be at a council meeting or within a private conversation.

“My kids had to move down south . . . there aren’t any jobs here.” It just isn’t right.

Now, for some people, it doesn’t matter all that much. It’s just the way it is, and there’s no use dwelling on the situation. Some families aren’t very close. The children grow up, they move out and they move on. They might visit during Christmas, if they’re not too busy.

My dad’s side of the family falls on that side of the spectrum. They’re not the most closely-knit group. And that’s fine. I love them, but I don’t see them often. They’re fairly distant people.

On the other hand, my mom’s side of the family is your typical, warm, loving Italian family. When I think of “my family,” I typically think of my mom’s side of the family. And forget about only visiting on holidays — we get together every weekend.

They still get together every weekend, but for me, it’s once every six weeks or so.

I’m a bit of an exception. I moved from one old Northeast industrial region (the Pittsburgh area) to another. If I never fell in love, it’s highly unlikely that I would have ever moved up to this area.

Before moving up here, I was freelancing as a sports correspondent at my local newspaper in Pennsylvania. I had worked other numerous jobs to get by in the meantime. If I never met my fiancee, I may have continued to live at home while searching for a good, local job.

But I couldn’t have waited forever. Like many others, I probably would have moved south, most likely to the Washington D.C. area, where I went to college. At least I had connections there. Not everyone who moves south for a job is so lucky.

I visited home again this weekend, and even though I’m used to leaving by now, it’s still not easy.

There are some things I’m going to miss, and there’s nothing I can do about it. Everyone’s getting older, naturally, and they’re doing so while away from me. I was lucky enough that I got to see my grandma, who I didn’t get to see very often, one last time before she died last year. One of my greatest fears is not being able to say goodbye to the people I love, one last time. It almost makes me feel guilty.

But that’s life. And with the Internet opening up a world of possibilities and opportunities, it’s even more likely that more of your loved ones will be leaving for greener pastures.

At some point in the future, I want to be near my family once again. And I know I’m not alone.

Here’s hoping, that some day, down the road, you and your loved ones will all have the chance to be together again. Here’s hoping everyone will still be in good health by the time that happens. Here’s hoping it’s not just a pipe dream.

Phil Dzikiy is a staff reporter for the Tonawanda News. His column appears every Thursday. Contact him at 693-1000, ext. 114 or by e-mail at dzikiyp@gnnewspaper.com.