Holidays Away From Family

It is hard to believe that over 10 years have passed since this first holiday away from family.

That first year was actually a blessing. I was able to experience the holidays without the traditions that were holding me hostage. It gave me time to contemplate which ones were really important or special to me and which ones I didn’t enjoy but did anyway. Once I moved to the beach, I begin starting my own traditions with a few of the old ones I loved.

My first Christmas at the beach I spent with one of my daughters. And another of my daughters came for New Years for several years.

For the last several years I have enjoyed wonderful friends’ holiday celebrations. It has been a blessing to have such a community of friends during the holidays when family is so far away.

This year, however, I am very much missing family especially my daughters and my grandson. Sadness flows our of my heart as I feel a longing to be with them during the holidays.

Friends are my savior this year with all our gathers and celebrations of friendship Thanksgiving was spend at friends among friends. It was a heartwarming fun evening

I will spend Christmas with friends again in the company of love that will hug me through the missing of my family. And I look forward to the time I will be able to spend Christmas with family once again.

Merry Christmas