This is the fifth day in as row that I have not been required to be at school. The Thanksgiving "holiday"is my favorite and this year has had some special moments. That is not to say these moments have all been on the good or pleasant side of the scale. Some have just been different.
I know for Maureen, and many ladies, Thanksgiving is a working holiday. Preparing a meal is work, plain and simple. We had planned a small, just for the family meal. It didn't end up that way, but wasn't too much, at least for me. Maureen cooked and prepared for two days, and I am thankful. The plan was for just the children, hard to say that now as they are all adults, to be here. We ended up honoring Maureen's mother and having brother and his family, and sister over also. They would have been alone and this was a good thing for them to come. Though we had to ferry them here and back home afterwards.
Being away from school doesn't mean I haven't been at my classroom. If I go today it will be the fourth day I will have gone to do some work, or pick something up. That is not a cry or whine, just a fact. Living in a small town makes it easier to blend home and work for me. I've tried to keep school at school over the last few years and hope for my family it has worked.
One of the biggest insights lately is the differences and enjoyments in the relationships with our four "children." Oldest son is married and has a job he likes. It is fun to talk to him about work and marriage and it is a joy top see him with his wonderful wife. They are truly made for each other. We got to spend some time doing a woodworking project that will be her Christmas present.
I spoke with Army son three different times and each showed a new facet to his life. We spoke about his job, but more interesting is other parts of life we hadn't spoke of before at such a depth. The mundane; food and such; to college, future jobs, cars and where to live.
Our son living at home is a cutthroat card fiend. He takes advantage of me when I'm not at my full capacity after 8:00 pm. He taught this dastardly game called Shanghai to us that seems to change rules every hand. I lose one hand, usually in a spectacular meltdown, and lose the entire game. What is great is his wonderful sense of humor and wicked understanding of words and language. I am in awe when he speaks at times.
Darling daughter, who dislikes me using this phrase, has become a young woman that is comfortable with herself. She doesn't suffer fools and is witty and sharp with her words. When she decides to do something, it is all in and done well.
The biggest joy was watching Maureen. I am truly blessed to have a companion that is so skilled and disciplined. This is a tough time and she has ploughed ahead. I look forward to where we will be in the next year. I see difficulties for many, ourselves included. Both at work, home and in the world we will be moving in new directions. Not all of these choices will be made by us, and I am feeling charmed to have Maureen to share with this journey.
3 comments:
No real comment. It's a pleasure knowing you and Maureen. School tomorrow!
Thanks for reading. I have been more sporadic lately, but always thinking.
And I certainly enjoy reading what you write. I try to comment, but sometimes life intrudes. Keep prepping and blogging.
We are learning a new relationship with our oldest who moved out a year ago. She will talk our ear off now, and she was upset when I didn't get Halloween decorations up. This weekend, she called and announced that she was coming out to put up Christmas decorations. Hmmm... and all those years it seemed to be a chore for them to help out getting decorations up. They never let us know that those traditions meant so much to them.
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