Monday, December 17, 2007

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.

12 comments:

  1. And there you have it. Sometimes we don't even know what is bothering us until we sit down and think it through.
    You would be an excellent mother-in-law for just that reason, you told him his wife comes first. It's nice that you aren't jealous and you embrace her. It is rare! Most MIL's are a tough nut to crack.
    I know you will have an awesome Christmas Angela! You have to, because you are such an amazing person. And so beautiful inside and OUT! Wow, nice photos lovey.
    xo
    Gillian

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  2. How precious is a mother who will give her son the freedom to put his wife first! You are so special and your blessing will be so many for your sacrifice.
    The pictures of you are darling!! mat and frame..Love you
    Wanda Mom

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  3. Rob and Diandra are so loving and giving of themselves. They are thoughtful of others, familiar and strangers. I love to receive their emails, so full of spirit and enthusiam for everything.
    You are the reason they are so special Angela. Your giving spirit shines through. Nessa is very lucky to have you as a mom-in-law.
    P.S. Thanks for the lovely photos.

    Hugs

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  4. Well, I will pray that your family - and Rob - can have joyous holidays. My first Christmas away from my family was SOOOOO hard. I had to get used to my husband's family's traditions. Nothing was MY tradition. That slowly changed over the years. But those first few away from my family were just HARD.

    God will bless you for your love and generosity in sharing your wonderful boy. You are sweet to do it.

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  5. What a great Mom and MIL you are Angela..!
    You will have to have another celebration when Rob and his wife get back.
    You are so cute, I love the photos of you with the pup..!
    Be happy knowing you have made someone else happy, it is a good feeling.
    love and Hugs
    xx

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  6. I agree with everyone you are an awesome mother in law!!(just like Your Grandma Garcia) and I hope I am learning some valuable lessons for one day when I become one. I like you am counting blessings that he and Nessa are safe and sound and are doing well. I know they will call and are with you in spirit. I think it is awesome that you will get to see your Aunt Kim ( tell her hi from me) and with also the time with your sister and family will be good for all of you.
    very pretty photos of you.

    Love you always

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  7. I love you mom

    Love Rob.

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  8. I am glad you are 'coming around'. You are a good women and you look beautiful by the way!
    It will be fine. Thankfully, there are phones ;-)

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  9. Angela,
    I hope you have a wonderful holdiday season.Thanks so much for your friendship this year.

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  10. I'm so looking forward to seeing all of you - it seems like at least ten years since we gazed upon each others faces. I'll miss not getting to see Rob, but with his emails, I feel like he's closer than he's ever been. Hopefully next visit I have more time and can see Sweet Expressions, Jeanne and everyone else Diandra & Rob copy on their emails. Those are faces I've not seen in 25+ years. Five days and counting. Love you.

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  11. Oh wow what a beautiful post. Comments and all. You are a wonderful Mom inlaw. I am very proud of you! You have given them a wonderful present! I love you Mom

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  12. Many hugs and notes of friendship I send to you. You are a beautiful person, it is evident in your blog and in your eyes.

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