Tuesday, November 25, 2008

displaced thanks.

I was just reading my friend Lori's blog about being far away from family on Thanksgiving and felt challenged to write about my own situation. I like having Lori as a friend lately, she brings out the grit in me and moves me to be less fluff and more real, more truth, more honesty and more transparency. I like grit. Thanks Lori.

Kenai is on patrol at the front window, I'm in my room getting ready for work. It's a beautiful day outside and has already proved a productive morning. All I have left to do is straighten my hair, stop by the dry cleaners and hit the road. DK and I talked about the rest of this week's plans which are, as expected non-stop for us. Plans with friends, there's the big CostCo run for Thanks prep and then the big day itself, driving, arranging and cooking. It's been in the back of my mind for a few weeks now and it wasn't until I read Lori's post that I started really feeling it. I miss my family. I'm on the brink, if I start to think about it too much I start to tear up. Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite day of the year - within it there is warmth, gratitude, fellowship and most importantly my family.

This year though, I'm feeling empty nest syndrome. David and Kim are gone to Malaysia, Andrew just found St. Croix with his sailing crew, dad is spending the day with his wife and her family in Detroit, my mom lives in Detroit and we haven't spoken in months... And I just MISS everyone being together. It's a terrible ache, I tell ya.

Thing is, I grabbed on to it visually, mentally, emotionally and physically while everyone was here. In the last few times we were all recently together, I knew this time was coming. I didn't expect it to come so soon and feel so owww... but is that the price you pay for loving them so truly? Ohhh, we have so much fun together. We are a crazy bunch and my favorite memories of my entire life are those spent with my brothers et al.

This morning I again am reminded how it's not my family that is displaced, but my gratitude. I look around and see the amazing friends God has put into my life at just the right time. I see how DK is very much my family, I have Kim's (my sister-in-law) family who are absolutely the most generous and loving people on earth. They've adopted DK and me for Thanksgiving and I am truly grateful. Ma and Pa... the best!

And see this is what happens when you shift your attitude. I think mom always called it an "attitude adjustment". The places you felt such emptiness become filled with more beautiful things and you learn to appreciate the things you had to a whole new level.

Happy Thanksgiving! me, andy, arwyn, david, kim - thanksgiving 2006 farmington, new mexico

3 comments:

James ~n~ Amber said...

I will pray for you this holiday as you deal with missing your family. I lived in Nashville for a year and it was one of the hardest year's of my life. I was 19 and miles from home and my family is very close, so that made it even harder. The holidays were especially hard. My family was my co-workers and I clung to those people. I think being in that position really made me see what was truly important though, and I'm thankful for that. God bless you and DK this Thanksgiving and just think, you have the winter trip to look forward too !

Amber

Anonymous said...

Attitude adjustment is what I need too! Thanks for reminding ME that we're blessed to have other members of our tribe, right where we are--coworkers, neighbors, friends.

Your Mom is one smart lady : ).

Happy Thanksgiving from afar..

Lori

Cindy Seay said...

I love you girl!!!