Sam’s birthday was on the 10th, but that fell during his time with his dad, so we decided to do a birthday redo today, the first weekend home again.
I have to admit that the day had a tang of the bittersweet for me, and I suffered with that taste in the back of my throat through the morning. Not only did I navigate the first family celebration as a single parent since Jenn and Jaren were young, I also did my first non-spontaneous party, meaning that the tag-team Mark and Sandra show was obvious in its absence. The dance that we choreographed over 15 years that had him doing the food while I did drinks and entertainment was today a pas de one … a difference, a change to be recognized, new steps to be learned.
Stick today on top of the mountain that is Thanksgiving looming … my favorite holiday that has me bumming myself out every year I’ve lived so far from my original family … and, well, it’s the Blues grabbing me by the heart and tugging.
Had a good cry while Skyping with Sis, then sucked it up and made the day fun and love-and-laugh filled. Friends gathered. Kids played. Magnar manned the BBQ. Stan toted and tidied. A good time was had by all.
Tried to load a vid, but it won’t work. There are photos on my facebook page, though.
A collection of my short stories:
I'm in this one, too ...
And I'm in here, as well ...
Paradise Preoccupied 
I’m glad the day got better for you, Sis!
I know first-hand how hard it is to be so far from home and family, espescially around the holidays. This year I’ll be keeping an eye on the drumsticks as I do believe there is a strong chance Molly is going to try and make good on her promise to mail you one.
And remember, …new steps lead to a new dance, Sis.
Love you.
I’m dancing as fast as I can, Sis.
And I love you, too … and thank you for being there.
Sometimes the best and most expressive dances are the ones we do solo, with nobody to trip us up or slow us down.
You are surrounded by friends, virtually and physically. Accept the love and dance the joy.
I Love You!
-Lisa
Dancing in the dark there for awhile, but new dance steps, although difficult to learn, left happy feet….
You did a wonderful job with Sam’s birthday. You pulled yourself together and made his day super special.
You never cease to amaze me: you always find the strength to move on. Now you’re making new traditions and memories. Good, loving ones, Sandra.
I’m glad Jo was able to be there for you. She really is a great Sis…
Every Thanksgiving since I’ve known you I’ve thought about you during Thanksgiving – this year is no exception, as a matter of fact I will toast you as well.
Lisa S.
You know you have an open invitation here, Sweetie!
Tonight, I shall be making some cranberry sauce with kumkwats & ginger! If you are lucky I’ll send you a jar for xmas! OK? I’ll Skype you and then we could have a giggle!
I know all too well what it is like to be so far away from my family…it’s not always easy…
You are often in my thoughts! And remember what Lisa said, you are surrounded by friends…
We love you,
Sas
XXXOOOXXX
P.S. Bhavishya looooved skyping…she wants to know all about Sam & CJ!
I’m glad it worked out well.
I can only sort of imagine how that must feel (and I probably don’t come close).
Thanks for the NaBloPoMo friending, Nicole, and for dropping by here. I’m catching up on your stuff, too.
Can’t believe it’s been a year … although in many ways it seems a decade ago since we were last in touch.
I know.
With all the hubub in Kuwait I lost pretty much interest in other blogs, just came back to real bloglife and reconnecting a few months (weeks?) back.
Am enjoying it again, maybe I just needed a break 🙂
I kicked close to everyone from my friends list on NaBlo and started from scratch.
And yes again, time flies, sigh…!
I was away from the blog world for months, too. Life got badly in the way. Back now, though, and happy to be.
So, can I look for you here soon?