When I was a little girl, our family had our traditions like most families we knew. We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day going from place to place, celebrating with our grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. We had too much food, even more sweets and more presents than we really needed.
The month of December was a special time at our house. The tree was up and decorated and all the knick-knacks we owned that had a remote connection to Christmas covered every surface. The cabinet stereo played continuously: Lynn Anderson, Jim Reeves, Burl Ives, Bing Crosby, The Chipmunks and (may we NEVER forget) the Royal Guardsmen's Snoopy's Christmas. My Mama and Grandmommy baked the entire month, and my Pop made homemade candy better than anything Hershey ever produced. We watched all the Christmas specials (mostly cartoons), which was a big deal because Christmas movies didn't show on every channel 24/7. I prayed for snow every night, and every Christmas morning I woke up too early, woke my brother and parents, and headed straight for the tree.
Christmas was my favorite time of year, until 1991. On December 23rd that year (my senior year in high school), I lost my Grandma. She was the first "close" relative I'd ever lost. As I said earlier, she was one of those places we'd travel to every Christmas Eve. Her house on Christmas Eve afternoon was something our entire family looked forward to...and mine is a BIG family. All 8 children and their spouses, 25+ grandchildren (and eventually their spouses and children) crammed into her 2 bedroom house and celebrated the season. It was a good time for all of us, and then she was gone.
That year, since the viewing ended up being on Christmas night, we didn't really have a normal Christmas. We woke up at home, just like normal, but the joy was gone. There had been a Christmas Eve gathering the day before, but this time it was a family huddled together in loss and sadness. I never got over that Christmas, and since then I just can't seem to find the joy it used to bring.
Some say Christmas looses it's sparkle as you get older. Some say it becomes more of a hassle than a happy time. But for me, someone who has held onto family traditions close my entire life, I don't think that's it. I think when I lost my Grandma 20 Christmases ago, I lost the Spirit of Christmas.
So how can I get it back? It's not like I haven't tried. I've decorated, sang songs and baked until I can't move. I've gone to countless school pageants, church plays, and light shows - still nothing like it used to be. I've watched more Christmas movies in the past 5 years than I care to remember, still the Spirit of Christmas eluded me. Until this year...
This year is different. It's not because of the decorations, the cookies, or even the music. It's not because of the church play, a gift I received, or even how much I'm looking forward to spending time with my family. This year it's about finding something new to fill a void I've felt for so long. This year it's about making new traditions for my family and spending time with them. It's about loving my Husband, and letting him know that everyday with him is like Christmas day. It's about being thankful for everything I've been blessed with. And last, but certainly not least, it's about Jesus...the reason for this season.
I know my Grandma would be happy about my new found love of the season, and I know she would have never wanted me to lose the Spirit of Christmas. So, this month while I enjoy the decorations, movies, and food that's become such a part of my life this time of year, I'll remember the REAL Spirit of Christmas...and my Grandma, who always made it so special.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Saturday, October 20, 2012
My Girls
When my Grandpa passed away, I was given a notebook he left for me. Inside the notebook were several stories he'd recounted about his childhood. That notebook is something I cherish...something that's very special to me. That notebook means my "Pa" understood how important writing was to me, and he (although he wasn't the type to keep a journal) sat down and wrote about his past so I could remember him. I don't think I have ever been given a more special gift.
It's been a while since I've written here. I've been working on writing in a handwritten journal...kind of like the notebook, but more about things that happen in my everyday life. I want something in my handwriting that I can leave behind when I go. Since I don't have any children of my own, I've written the journal for my nieces - Megan and Taylor. I want them to always remember me, and know I loved them very much.
Megan is my mini-me. When I put pictures of us on FaceBook, people ask me if I'm sure she isn't my child instead of my brother's. She's a tender-hearted, outspoken, typical teenager. She likes music and loves to sing. She dances around her living room like I used to when I was her age. She's sweet and kind, and doesn't understand when others are mean and hurtful. She gives people the benefit of the doubt, and sees the best in everyone - until the prove otherwise. She's like me in that it's easy to make her cry...and when she does, it breaks my heart. She wears her heart on her sleeve (just like me) and is very sensitive to her feelings, as well as those of others.
Taylor doesn't look like me exactly, but she sure does act like me. She's "Little Miss Bossy" to my "Miss Bossy". She likes to control the situation, just like her Aunt Mitz - the difference is if she doesn't get her way, she just does what she does what she wants to do by herself. She like to play video games, and from what I've seen, she's pretty good at it. She's a free spirit and likes to do her own thing. She's got some characteristics I wish I had. She doesn't care what others think, she just does what makes her happy. She goes her own way, and if others follow, that's OK...if they don't, that's OK too. She makes her own fun and can be content by herself. She doesn't get very bothered by things and is generally easy going. She's usually content in any situation, and I think she'll grow into a strong, independent woman some day.
I miss them a lot. I live 2 hours from them, so I don't see them often - except around holidays. I've watched both of them grow. I've seen both of them laugh and cry. I've told each of them how beautiful the really are. And now, I want to make sure I have something to give them that will remind them of how much "Aunt Mitz" loved them. This journal I'm writing may be about everyday, ordinary things...but someday, to them, it will be a lot more.
It's been a while since I've written here. I've been working on writing in a handwritten journal...kind of like the notebook, but more about things that happen in my everyday life. I want something in my handwriting that I can leave behind when I go. Since I don't have any children of my own, I've written the journal for my nieces - Megan and Taylor. I want them to always remember me, and know I loved them very much.
Megan is my mini-me. When I put pictures of us on FaceBook, people ask me if I'm sure she isn't my child instead of my brother's. She's a tender-hearted, outspoken, typical teenager. She likes music and loves to sing. She dances around her living room like I used to when I was her age. She's sweet and kind, and doesn't understand when others are mean and hurtful. She gives people the benefit of the doubt, and sees the best in everyone - until the prove otherwise. She's like me in that it's easy to make her cry...and when she does, it breaks my heart. She wears her heart on her sleeve (just like me) and is very sensitive to her feelings, as well as those of others.
Taylor doesn't look like me exactly, but she sure does act like me. She's "Little Miss Bossy" to my "Miss Bossy". She likes to control the situation, just like her Aunt Mitz - the difference is if she doesn't get her way, she just does what she does what she wants to do by herself. She like to play video games, and from what I've seen, she's pretty good at it. She's a free spirit and likes to do her own thing. She's got some characteristics I wish I had. She doesn't care what others think, she just does what makes her happy. She goes her own way, and if others follow, that's OK...if they don't, that's OK too. She makes her own fun and can be content by herself. She doesn't get very bothered by things and is generally easy going. She's usually content in any situation, and I think she'll grow into a strong, independent woman some day.
I miss them a lot. I live 2 hours from them, so I don't see them often - except around holidays. I've watched both of them grow. I've seen both of them laugh and cry. I've told each of them how beautiful the really are. And now, I want to make sure I have something to give them that will remind them of how much "Aunt Mitz" loved them. This journal I'm writing may be about everyday, ordinary things...but someday, to them, it will be a lot more.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
The Move Back "Home"
We had the best intentions...moving back to our hometown. Thinking about all the friends we left behind 7 years ago, and all the family we could see on a regular basis, it seemed like the right time to make the move. I was stoked, and David...well, he just kind of went along with my plan.
We never made it to the 12 month mark, even though the lease said we had to. I must say making it 9 months was hard enough, so we did what we had to do and got back to the city ASAP. There are a few things I miss (a spontaneous lunch/dinner with my parents, home football games with my high school BFF, family dinners in the middle of the week) but all the aside, I'm glad to be back home. If home is where the heart is, I'm in the right place.
We've been her a little over 2 weeks, and I wake up every morning knowing I'm in the right place. It makes life easier when you love where you are. 8 years ago, when I moved here my plan was to stay a year or two and head back home. It lasted 7 years...and then we took something I like to refer to as an "extended vacation" back to the old stomping ground. Now that I'm back, I'm soaking it up.
I know people may not understand the choice. to be away from family and friend; to leave what you grew up knowing. But we belong here. Some people know...there are just places they are drawn to...places that make them feel "right". Cary is that place for us right now.
I must say, there are some things I didn't miss: traffic jams on I-40, stoplights every few blocks, crowded stores and sidewalks...but I guess those things, along with all the good things make me feel alive and like I have a purpose. I'm part of something bigger...something different than what I knew before I came here.
We're thriving already. We're settling in nicely, and we've been talking about resuming our daytrips to the beach (only 2 hours away now). And what a perfect time to come back. We just had Lazy Daze, we still have a little bit of warm weather left to enjoy the sidewalk cafes, and the holidays are right around the corner (which means a full social calendar to take full advantage of). We've resumed our weekly dinners with Nancy, and the impromptu coffee dates with Marcy, so all is getting back to normal.
I missed our town...it's good to be home.
We never made it to the 12 month mark, even though the lease said we had to. I must say making it 9 months was hard enough, so we did what we had to do and got back to the city ASAP. There are a few things I miss (a spontaneous lunch/dinner with my parents, home football games with my high school BFF, family dinners in the middle of the week) but all the aside, I'm glad to be back home. If home is where the heart is, I'm in the right place.
We've been her a little over 2 weeks, and I wake up every morning knowing I'm in the right place. It makes life easier when you love where you are. 8 years ago, when I moved here my plan was to stay a year or two and head back home. It lasted 7 years...and then we took something I like to refer to as an "extended vacation" back to the old stomping ground. Now that I'm back, I'm soaking it up.
I know people may not understand the choice. to be away from family and friend; to leave what you grew up knowing. But we belong here. Some people know...there are just places they are drawn to...places that make them feel "right". Cary is that place for us right now.
I must say, there are some things I didn't miss: traffic jams on I-40, stoplights every few blocks, crowded stores and sidewalks...but I guess those things, along with all the good things make me feel alive and like I have a purpose. I'm part of something bigger...something different than what I knew before I came here.
We're thriving already. We're settling in nicely, and we've been talking about resuming our daytrips to the beach (only 2 hours away now). And what a perfect time to come back. We just had Lazy Daze, we still have a little bit of warm weather left to enjoy the sidewalk cafes, and the holidays are right around the corner (which means a full social calendar to take full advantage of). We've resumed our weekly dinners with Nancy, and the impromptu coffee dates with Marcy, so all is getting back to normal.
I missed our town...it's good to be home.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Up Late
When we stay up late, I blame it on our DVR. By the time we get home from work and have dinner, we only have a few hours to relax...and usually that involves watching shows we've taped during the day. It's one of those things we feel is worth the $7.00 a month if only because we hate commercials.
At around 10:30 PM we start promising each other that this is the last show...and then we're going to bed. Usually by 11:30 PM we give up, tell the other we aren't really sleepy, and start another show. Some nights David sits up with me the entire time...and sometimes I end up putting him in the bed, shutting the bedroom door and finishing a few more episodes alone.
We somehow get stuck on one show or the other. Right now, we watch Law & Order reruns or The First 48. Every Friday night we wait until 10 PM to watch Grimm (it comes on at 9 PM, but we wait so we can skip the commercials). Other than these recordings, we have the DVR set for The Closer and The Mentalist (which are currently not showing new episodes). By now we've exhausted NCIS and House and have watched almost every episode...recording either one of those forces us to watch 5 minutes and delete a show we've already seen.
The invention of the DVR is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because we can skip the commercials...a curse because we must drag ourselves out of bed the next morning. But with so many shows to watch...what are a couple of "night owls" like us to do?
At around 10:30 PM we start promising each other that this is the last show...and then we're going to bed. Usually by 11:30 PM we give up, tell the other we aren't really sleepy, and start another show. Some nights David sits up with me the entire time...and sometimes I end up putting him in the bed, shutting the bedroom door and finishing a few more episodes alone.
We somehow get stuck on one show or the other. Right now, we watch Law & Order reruns or The First 48. Every Friday night we wait until 10 PM to watch Grimm (it comes on at 9 PM, but we wait so we can skip the commercials). Other than these recordings, we have the DVR set for The Closer and The Mentalist (which are currently not showing new episodes). By now we've exhausted NCIS and House and have watched almost every episode...recording either one of those forces us to watch 5 minutes and delete a show we've already seen.
The invention of the DVR is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because we can skip the commercials...a curse because we must drag ourselves out of bed the next morning. But with so many shows to watch...what are a couple of "night owls" like us to do?
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
He's Kind of a Big Deal...
I always stay up later than David. He has to work (like a normal person...he has to actually GO to work). I, on the other hand, can sleep a little later, roll out of the bed, and sign on to my VPN...instantly I'm "at the office". He tries his very best to stay up with me, but it never works. His eyes start to close and he yawns several times...and finally I tell him to go on to bed. He fakes reluctance and then I "tuck him in" and say goodnight.
While he sleeps I catch up on some "me time". I read my mystery novels, or review new Facebook posts...or write. And the entire time I think of my wonderful, sweet husband sleeping in the next room. He's dreaming of the things he needs to do or things he's done. He only stirs a little when I climb into bed next to him. And then I listen...listen to him breathe (and sometimes snore). And then I smile, thank the good Lord he gave him to me, and then I sleep...peacefully beside him.
He doesn't think he does enough for me. He tells me often that he wishes he could do more. He wishes he could make me smile with gifts of flowers and jewelry. He tells me he loves me and he hopes I know it. He sends me texts telling me how much I mean to him...but he always wants to follow it up with a loving gesture.
What he doesn't know is that he's my gift. Having him next to me on the couch watching Law & Order on the DVR is like Heaven to me. Having him beside me in the car makes me smile. Holding his hand in the grocery store is better than any flowers or jewelry he will ever give me.
His words calm me. His touch brings me peace. His smile melts my heart. His kiss makes me feel alive. He is just a man to everyone else...but to me...well...he's kind of a big deal. :)
While he sleeps I catch up on some "me time". I read my mystery novels, or review new Facebook posts...or write. And the entire time I think of my wonderful, sweet husband sleeping in the next room. He's dreaming of the things he needs to do or things he's done. He only stirs a little when I climb into bed next to him. And then I listen...listen to him breathe (and sometimes snore). And then I smile, thank the good Lord he gave him to me, and then I sleep...peacefully beside him.
He doesn't think he does enough for me. He tells me often that he wishes he could do more. He wishes he could make me smile with gifts of flowers and jewelry. He tells me he loves me and he hopes I know it. He sends me texts telling me how much I mean to him...but he always wants to follow it up with a loving gesture.
What he doesn't know is that he's my gift. Having him next to me on the couch watching Law & Order on the DVR is like Heaven to me. Having him beside me in the car makes me smile. Holding his hand in the grocery store is better than any flowers or jewelry he will ever give me.
His words calm me. His touch brings me peace. His smile melts my heart. His kiss makes me feel alive. He is just a man to everyone else...but to me...well...he's kind of a big deal. :)
Friday, April 6, 2012
Spring Break 2012
This week was spring break for Alan and Vickie. They flew down to spend the week with us and will go home tomorrow. We've had a great time and have been busy doing "fun" things all week.
On Sunday, Allison & Jody & all the kids came over for a cook out. The kids were glad to see their cousins and spent time catching up. Vickie, Megan & Taylor played on the swing in the front yard while the rest of us sat around laughing and talking. David & Alan grilled hamburgers and hotdogs and we all ate as much as possible.
On Monday, David went to work and I hung out with the kids watching movies and eating junk food. When David was off work, I picked up Megan & Taylor and brought them back here for a slumber party with Vickie. They played on the swing, explored the barns and watched movies until they fell asleep. Taylor ended up falling asleep first and Vickie used eyeliner to draw a cat face on her. No one knew until the next morning when we woke up.
Tuesday I took the girls shopping and to get their nails painted while David took Alan fishing for some father/son time. In the evening, I took Megan & Taylor home and took Alan to spend the night with Brian. That night, Vickie, Dave and I watched Storage Wars until we couldn't stay awake any longer.
Wednesday we picked up Nanny and then Alan and all went to the movies. Me, Alan and David saw 21 Jump Street. Vickie & Nanny saw Mirror, Mirror. Then we all came home and cooked a big dinner and talked and laughed until it was time for Nanny to go home.
Thursday was cold and rainy. We decided to stay in for the day and veg out in front of the TV. Nanny came over and stayed with us all day. That evening, we had another cookout with Michelle, Stevie, Brittni, Nick, Mitchell and my parents. We all had to stay inside, but it was a fun time getting to see everyone together.
On Friday, Alan & David went to the movies again to see American Reunion. Vickie & I went shopping again and found some cool shirts for her. After the movie and shopping, we met Allison, Jody & the kids for ice cream at ColdStone. Everyone had ice cream and said their goodbyes. On the way home we stopped and rented some movies and went home to start packing for the kid's trip home.
Tomorrow morning we will head to Raleigh so the kids can fly back home. We are excited about June 8th when we will go to PA to see Alan graduate from high school. Spring break didn't last long enough, but we will see the kids again soon.
On Sunday, Allison & Jody & all the kids came over for a cook out. The kids were glad to see their cousins and spent time catching up. Vickie, Megan & Taylor played on the swing in the front yard while the rest of us sat around laughing and talking. David & Alan grilled hamburgers and hotdogs and we all ate as much as possible.
On Monday, David went to work and I hung out with the kids watching movies and eating junk food. When David was off work, I picked up Megan & Taylor and brought them back here for a slumber party with Vickie. They played on the swing, explored the barns and watched movies until they fell asleep. Taylor ended up falling asleep first and Vickie used eyeliner to draw a cat face on her. No one knew until the next morning when we woke up.
Tuesday I took the girls shopping and to get their nails painted while David took Alan fishing for some father/son time. In the evening, I took Megan & Taylor home and took Alan to spend the night with Brian. That night, Vickie, Dave and I watched Storage Wars until we couldn't stay awake any longer.
Wednesday we picked up Nanny and then Alan and all went to the movies. Me, Alan and David saw 21 Jump Street. Vickie & Nanny saw Mirror, Mirror. Then we all came home and cooked a big dinner and talked and laughed until it was time for Nanny to go home.
Thursday was cold and rainy. We decided to stay in for the day and veg out in front of the TV. Nanny came over and stayed with us all day. That evening, we had another cookout with Michelle, Stevie, Brittni, Nick, Mitchell and my parents. We all had to stay inside, but it was a fun time getting to see everyone together.
On Friday, Alan & David went to the movies again to see American Reunion. Vickie & I went shopping again and found some cool shirts for her. After the movie and shopping, we met Allison, Jody & the kids for ice cream at ColdStone. Everyone had ice cream and said their goodbyes. On the way home we stopped and rented some movies and went home to start packing for the kid's trip home.
Tomorrow morning we will head to Raleigh so the kids can fly back home. We are excited about June 8th when we will go to PA to see Alan graduate from high school. Spring break didn't last long enough, but we will see the kids again soon.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Town & Country
In December we moved back to our hometown. We're 2 hours away from Cary, where we called home for 7 wonderful years. They say home is where the heart is and after almost 3 months of being here, we're quickly realizing our hearts may still be in Cary.
Not much has changed in the old hometown. People still travel 10 miles to the nearest grocery store, and Target is a good 20 minute drive. I'm also really missing the Starbucks that was within walking distance from our old place. More than the stores and coffee shops, we miss the hustle and bustle of an active town. Cary IS a town...not a city, but it's close enough to Raleigh to keep us happy, and the town is FULL of things to do and places to go...without having to pack a lunch.
Besides all that, we miss our friends, and our lives in the Triangle. We're just wondering why we didn't think the old phrase "You can't go back home..." was true to begin with. Oh...and did I mention my job is still 2 hours away. I drive in once a week, but now I'm missing the time in the office...the time I used to take for granted.
What is it? Do we always want what we can't have? Maybe...but I'd take a tiny apartment in Cary over this big old drafty house any day...and the sooner the better.
One last saying: "you can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl". WRONG! If there were still country in me, I'd be enjoying this a lot more. (And the accent doesn't count!!)
Not much has changed in the old hometown. People still travel 10 miles to the nearest grocery store, and Target is a good 20 minute drive. I'm also really missing the Starbucks that was within walking distance from our old place. More than the stores and coffee shops, we miss the hustle and bustle of an active town. Cary IS a town...not a city, but it's close enough to Raleigh to keep us happy, and the town is FULL of things to do and places to go...without having to pack a lunch.
Besides all that, we miss our friends, and our lives in the Triangle. We're just wondering why we didn't think the old phrase "You can't go back home..." was true to begin with. Oh...and did I mention my job is still 2 hours away. I drive in once a week, but now I'm missing the time in the office...the time I used to take for granted.
What is it? Do we always want what we can't have? Maybe...but I'd take a tiny apartment in Cary over this big old drafty house any day...and the sooner the better.
One last saying: "you can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl". WRONG! If there were still country in me, I'd be enjoying this a lot more. (And the accent doesn't count!!)
Friday, February 3, 2012
Facebook? To Delete or Not to Delete...
I signed up for a Facebook account a few years ago, just like most people between the ages of 13 and 65. Frankly, it was a lot of fun finding people I hadn't seen or heard from in 20 years. I could see what they were doing, where they worked, who they had married, and who they were still friends with. And then I could check out their friends list and add their friends to my list. My network expanded quickly. I loaded pictures, made status updates, changed my relationship status to inform everyone I'd gotten married, and watched the News Feed roll by with updates from all my friends.
After a while, I found myself checking Facebook several times a day to see who had updated their status. Of course I needed to know if there was something I needed to "like" on the News Feed. Eventually I could tell who would post something funny, who would post something whiney, who would vent/rant, and who wouldn't post at all. I unsubscribed, and sometimes unfriended, the whiners and ranters...until I just stopped caring. Facebook has now become a chore...but I still log on every day.
Recently I stated to my sister-in-law that I was considering deactivating/deleting my account. I told her that Facebook did nothing but cause drama, take up time and let other people know your business. And on top of it, no disrespect to anyone on my friends list, I've been out of contact with most of these people for 20 years without feeling a great need to reconnect.
I'm still considering deleting the account. I may...I may not. Until I decide, I will probably just watch the News Feed roll by.
After a while, I found myself checking Facebook several times a day to see who had updated their status. Of course I needed to know if there was something I needed to "like" on the News Feed. Eventually I could tell who would post something funny, who would post something whiney, who would vent/rant, and who wouldn't post at all. I unsubscribed, and sometimes unfriended, the whiners and ranters...until I just stopped caring. Facebook has now become a chore...but I still log on every day.
Recently I stated to my sister-in-law that I was considering deactivating/deleting my account. I told her that Facebook did nothing but cause drama, take up time and let other people know your business. And on top of it, no disrespect to anyone on my friends list, I've been out of contact with most of these people for 20 years without feeling a great need to reconnect.
I'm still considering deleting the account. I may...I may not. Until I decide, I will probably just watch the News Feed roll by.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Winter Favorites
Winter has never been my favorite season. Since I'm a waterbaby, I much prefer summer. Sand, salty air, waves crashing, flip flops...all those things make me happy. It's not uncommon for people to get the "winter blues", and I have to admit, I'm no exception. Who wants to be outside when you can see your breath and your jeans touching your skins hurts? But I do have some things that I can only enjoy in the winter. They're all "small stuff", but when I look at my life, it's usually the small stuff that makes me happiest.
These are just a few things that make me look forward to the cold weather. Let's face it...without it we couldn't wear cute sweaters, new coats, scarves and hats, and trendy boots. And without the winter, we wouldn't have a clean slate when spring decides to grace us with it's presence.
Here's my list:
- The first snowfall
- An abundance of time with family and friends during the holiday season
- My winter wardrobe - consisting of fleece, sweats, and a cute assorment of scarves and hats
- Slippers and warm PJs
- Playoffs and the Super Bowl
- Rosey-cheeked children tearing open Christmas presents
- Lots of turkey!
- Hot cocoa with marshmellows
- Our big white fluffy down comforter
- New Years celebrations at the beach
- Cold - and using it as a reason to catch up on my DVR shows
- Winter baking (especially the cookies)
- Boots - all of them
These are just a few things that make me look forward to the cold weather. Let's face it...without it we couldn't wear cute sweaters, new coats, scarves and hats, and trendy boots. And without the winter, we wouldn't have a clean slate when spring decides to grace us with it's presence. So think about it...winter kinda rocks. (But I'm sure glad we only have 60 days of it left). :)
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Unconditional?
A friend shared a picture on her Facebook wall. The picture said: "A person who truly loves you will never let you go no matter how hard the situation is." When I saw it, it hit me at full force. Despite the fact the statement ended with a preposition, it's profound...and true. The statement just clarifies the meaning of unconditional love. Unconditional love is a grand idea that supports the notion of loving someone no mater the circumstances. But is it real...or just an illusion?
This year David and I have faced a huge challenge and several life changes. We were apart most of the year and, although we had small amounts of time together, I found myself missing him and the little things that make our time together so very special. There's an old saying: "Absence makes the heart grow fonder". In some cases, absence just drives a wedge between people. But in our case, I found that this old saying is true.
I know if this separation would have happened in past years, it would have put a terrible strain on our relationship. But having been together through many hard times, and many more wonderful times, we survived and now I feel we're stronger than ever. When our love was less mature, these tests and trials would have pushed both of us to fight and squabble. But now, since our love has matured and is stronger, we support each other easily. When I'm weak, he is strong. And when he's having a bad day, I am there to help him through it. We've found a good balance, and it's the strongest we've ever been.
Don't get me wrong. There are times when we're not at our best. Times when our emotions are raw and stress is high. Sometimes our talks are rushed and hurried, and we snap trying to get the other to listen. Sometimes we disagree and middle ground eludes us. But in the end, we find that forgiveness comes easily...and that's the key.
I love David unconditionally. Some of the things we've faced have often made me wonder what I'm doing here. Some things I've done have made him second-guess his choice to be with me. But when the dust clears, we've decided our love is stronger than our circumstances or our situations.
When I'm old and feeble, I want it to be him who helps me get around. When he's old and forgetful, I want to be the one who reminds him of all the wonderful times we've spent together. When our life gets close to the end, it's him I want to look back with and laugh about all the hard times we made it through. And better than that, I know without a doubt that he feels the same.
He wrote me a lovely note around Christmas this year. I cried when I read it, and it was the best present he could have given me. I won't share the entire letter, but here is some of what he wrote me:
This year David and I have faced a huge challenge and several life changes. We were apart most of the year and, although we had small amounts of time together, I found myself missing him and the little things that make our time together so very special. There's an old saying: "Absence makes the heart grow fonder". In some cases, absence just drives a wedge between people. But in our case, I found that this old saying is true.
I know if this separation would have happened in past years, it would have put a terrible strain on our relationship. But having been together through many hard times, and many more wonderful times, we survived and now I feel we're stronger than ever. When our love was less mature, these tests and trials would have pushed both of us to fight and squabble. But now, since our love has matured and is stronger, we support each other easily. When I'm weak, he is strong. And when he's having a bad day, I am there to help him through it. We've found a good balance, and it's the strongest we've ever been.
Don't get me wrong. There are times when we're not at our best. Times when our emotions are raw and stress is high. Sometimes our talks are rushed and hurried, and we snap trying to get the other to listen. Sometimes we disagree and middle ground eludes us. But in the end, we find that forgiveness comes easily...and that's the key.
I love David unconditionally. Some of the things we've faced have often made me wonder what I'm doing here. Some things I've done have made him second-guess his choice to be with me. But when the dust clears, we've decided our love is stronger than our circumstances or our situations.
When I'm old and feeble, I want it to be him who helps me get around. When he's old and forgetful, I want to be the one who reminds him of all the wonderful times we've spent together. When our life gets close to the end, it's him I want to look back with and laugh about all the hard times we made it through. And better than that, I know without a doubt that he feels the same.
He wrote me a lovely note around Christmas this year. I cried when I read it, and it was the best present he could have given me. I won't share the entire letter, but here is some of what he wrote me:
"I woke up early this morning and started writing you. I want to tell you some things. As always I love you, but also I'm proud of you too! Thank you for being my wife and sticking through everything with me! We definitely have a wonderful life ahead of us! I promise as always to love and cherish you and not forsake you! I hope you already know these things, but I'm going to keep telling you as long as I'm alive! You're a gift to me, Misty. The best present ever!How could I not love him unconditionally? Flaws, issues, annoying habits and all...I'll love him until the end.
I love you, Babe. You're my Pickle...don't ever forget that. Forever is not long enough!"
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