Ladies & Gentlemen...

The Grinch has left the House!



My daughter Diandra and I had a little discussion about why we were both grumpy "tis this season...." (you know, the song...ha ha) I guess you could say we both had an "ah-ha" moment as we were raising our voice to each other. Then we got teary eyed, and had a long embrace. This is our first Christmas without my son/her brother. In 23 years, I have always had both of my babies with me to share this holiday with. Rob won't be coming home for Christmas this year. I actually talked him into the plans that they have made. His wife's dad's side hasn't met Rob yet. Her Grandma is getting up there in age as well. Nessa really wanted them both to meet her husband. They live in Florida. Rob was torn at first when they were discussing the time that they had off to go, which is Christmas. He wanted to come home. I listened to him and then he asked me what he should do. I told him that his wife comes first. Always. I was okay with them going to Florida for Christmas; I knew that I wouldn't be seeing them. I told him that her family will fall in love with him; I had no doubt. Nessa has not seen her dad in a while; she needed her best friend by her side through this. He listened to me and said, "Mom, I love you. You are right. I will tell her tonight." I felt good about what I had told him back in the beginning of September (he just arrived back in The United States from serving overseas in Kuwait, I was feeling very relieved that he was just home on U.S. soil and safe). I still do. I guess the realization hit me the closer I got to Christmas which meant the day after Thanksgiving. The real kick off to the season. Days are numbered. And it has sunk in. They are not coming home for Christmas.
I have to tell you Rob is my Christmas baby. He is the one who appreciates the decorations, my baking, my food. He was the one to get his sister and brothers up to see if Santa had arrived. He was the one to believe in him the longest and was crushed to learn otherwise. He was always humming Christmas tunes. Loved getting together with all of the family and making us laugh. Knowing where all of my grumpiness was coming from has made a world of difference. When things are placed into the light, it is easier to deal with them.
I have learned my aunt Kimmy will be here a couple of days before Christmas. It will be nice to have her here for I haven't seen her in several years. I am looking forward to spending time with her. My sister will also spend Christmas day through the 28th. I will have family to surround me, to help with the void of who is missing. I am counting my blessings. Rob could still be in Kuwait. He is not. He is home and he is safe. There are many families that are going through this season without their loved ones. I am blessed. Let's be sure to keep the men and women who are serving in the military and their families in our prayers.




Simone trying to make me feel better.