The Most Wonderful Time of Year

It's the most wonderful time of the year! I think so anyway! For starters, it is the time of our dear savior's birth. Joy to the world! The words repeat, of peace on earth, good-will to men so obviously, tis the season to be jolly!

OK, enough of the Christmas Carols but they certainly tell a story. December is a time of giving and sharing with our families and friends. I am lucky enough to have my parents fly in from NJ to visit every year about two weeks before Christmas day to celebrate with my kids.

The ten days or so that they are in WA are spent shopping, eating, drinking and wrapping for the first of our Christmas celebrations. We always try to fit in a special night out as a family but unfortunately this year is proving difficult. Last night most of us watched Four Christmases with Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn. It is the story of a couple that has to visit their families but both sets of parents are divorced, hence 4 Christmases. The movie was very fitting movie given the circumstances of separation in my own home. This year has been challenging to have us all under one roof even for dinner let alone a night out. Between the time they are spending with their father and me now working full time, we haven't had the opportunity to enjoy each others company quite as much as in the years past. The movie made me realize just how hard it will be for my children as the years go by. I am going to continue to stay positive and make it as easy as I can for them because the reality is we are still having fun amidst the challenges of their 3 Christmases.

It has been weeks since I have written. Not for lack of trying either. I started several blog posts but have been sidetracked every time. Not only is it the most wonderful time of the year but also the busiest. Now that the holiday season is behind me, I feel as if I can refocus my energy on writing. I think this post is a bit wonky due to the different times I wrote it and the varied topics but maybe it just fits in with the craziness of the season.

December is a time of giving. Our National Charity League BOD started the month by serving dinner at Sophia's Way, a homeless shelter for women. As always it was a humbling experience to chat with some of these ladies and hear the tragic stories they tell. I think we all left feeling grateful to not only to have brought dinner but also to spend some time listening and making someone feel that their story was worth sharing.

As I said earlier, my parents arrived a few days later and we got to spend some quality time together. They arrived the same day as my son, Dane, who flew home from the University of Alabama. He has decided that maybe school is not for him right now and is trying to figure out a path for himself. There is a lot of pressure on seniors in high school to find a school that feels like home and then go and be successful. The reality is the first few months of attending a new school in a different state is a very difficult transition. I know for Dane it was a lonely and isolating experience. Dane had written me a long, heartfelt, and brutally honest letter about his decision to leave college, which was heartbreaking for me to read but also very mature on his part. He was able to recognize and understand his emotions then perfectly articulate his feelings to me. Figuring out the right balance with having him move home is a bit challenging but I made a list of ground rules and accountabilities that together we will be discussing on a regular basis. I am very happy that he had the courage to go against the norm and seek a new direction for himself. He shared a very vulnerable part of himself with me strengthening our bond. I just love that kid!

As I also stated earlier I went back to work full time. I am an attendant at a 55 + health spa and fitness center. Skeptically I started the job thinking it was not for me. Fast forward a month and I am truly enjoying working there. The customers are some of the most generous, fun, kind people. The magical giving from this group of seniors has touched my heart in ways I couldn't even imagine. Every day they came with gifts for the our entire staff. Homemade beautiful ornaments, cookie cutters, candy (too much, lol), cookies, cards and even cash. I hear stories that make me hopeful from Lyle. He and Marie met at WSU 62 years ago when she got stood up on a blind date. He went over to talk to her because he could tell she was upset. Lyle and Marie celebrated their 60th anniversary this year and Lyle is as happy with her now as we was when they first met! Another character who makes me laugh is Marilyn, who at 78 listens to heavy metal and is on several dating apps. She was recently wondering if she should ghost her last date! Two of her daughters said yes and the third said that she should tell him. I didn't give her my opinion!

As I start the new year, I look back over the last 6 months since I started a Year of Magical Giving and realize how blessed I have been. The amount of genuine friends I have reminds me of how lucky I am. The people that I spend time with are truly special. They are givers of their hearts, their time, their energy. My friends, family and coworkers are empathetic, loving, honest, and beautiful inside and out. I am grateful to feel so much love and look forward to spreading love and kindness throughout 2020!