Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Home for the Holidays
I wasn't sure how I was going to weather this Christmas. Last year at this time I wasn't doing so good. It was the first Christmas in decades that I wasn't in Oregon with family and I was not just a little unhappy about it. But, it was a decision we, as a family, decided "would be best." So I stayed here and my sister stayed in Hawaii and we both cried on Christmas day.
My next visit to Oregon was when my Dad died. In spite of the sadness of the occasion, my time with my niece, her family, my brother, nephew and his wife was wonderful. I told them, though, that I wouldn't be coming for the holidays. Instead, I said, I'd come for visits at a time when the weather is better and there'd be more and less hectic time to spend.
So, I had more time to prepare mentally for my second Christmas on my own. As it turns out, it hasn't been horrible. In fact, even though the miles have put a physical distance between me and my family, I feel we are closer than we ever have been.
I have a brand new grand-niece and a brand new grand-nephew and, if she says "yes," soon I'll have a brand new nephew-in-law. Plans are already under way for a spring visit and I'm looking forward to it.
Life's path has gone 'round another bend. New traditions will take over from the old, but the bonds of family can't be broken by a few miles or a missed turkey dinner with each other.
So, this Christmas, I'm doing great. I've shared some wonderful moments with friends, relayed hugs across the cell towers to Oregon and beyond and am starting my own tradition with a pork roast in the oven. Life is pretty darn good.
Merry Christmas, all, and my very best to you for the new year. May it bring you all you wish!
My next visit to Oregon was when my Dad died. In spite of the sadness of the occasion, my time with my niece, her family, my brother, nephew and his wife was wonderful. I told them, though, that I wouldn't be coming for the holidays. Instead, I said, I'd come for visits at a time when the weather is better and there'd be more and less hectic time to spend.
So, I had more time to prepare mentally for my second Christmas on my own. As it turns out, it hasn't been horrible. In fact, even though the miles have put a physical distance between me and my family, I feel we are closer than we ever have been.
I have a brand new grand-niece and a brand new grand-nephew and, if she says "yes," soon I'll have a brand new nephew-in-law. Plans are already under way for a spring visit and I'm looking forward to it.
Life's path has gone 'round another bend. New traditions will take over from the old, but the bonds of family can't be broken by a few miles or a missed turkey dinner with each other.
So, this Christmas, I'm doing great. I've shared some wonderful moments with friends, relayed hugs across the cell towers to Oregon and beyond and am starting my own tradition with a pork roast in the oven. Life is pretty darn good.
Merry Christmas, all, and my very best to you for the new year. May it bring you all you wish!
Posted at 2:44 PM | |
