I read recently that when we want to write a post that brings forth the passion from deep within our heart … “make yourself cry”! Write about what holds strong emotion, things that make you cry … things that make you tick … things that make you who you are.
I’m taking that advice tonight, in a way.
I stood, scrubbing bar-b-q sauce and vegetable soup from the stove top, tears trickling down my cheeks. “Why is it that you miss someone so badly right after they leave?” I asked. My husband gently patted my back, and said “I don’t know.” He offered to scrub for me, but I needed to keep scrubbing.
I didn’t have to make myself cry. But I decided that since I was crying anyway, I might as well write about it … that’s when I’m keenly aware of what I hold most dear.
My son left a few minutes ago. After four days together, it’s hard to say goodbye.
We cooked lots of good food … delicious bar-b-q, his great grandmother’s vegetable soup and macaroni and cheese recipes, sweet potato chips, and chocolate chess pies. The three of us enjoyed every bit of nourishment our mouths, and our spirits, could hold.
Our sweet doggie, Annie, is now completely spoiled. She loves having him here, too. She spent the weekend stretched out on the floor wherever we were … playing games, enjoying the fire, spinning tops and playing jacks.
We played game after game of Jacks throughout the weekend … it’s the first game I’ve been able to beat him at since he was 7 years old. Admittedly, I’ve had more practice, even though it was on the school playground, 40 years ago.
This holiday season I’ve been particularly mindful of how lucky I am. So many have had a year full of loss and grief. Blessings are showered upon me more often than I can possibly comprehend. I was happier sitting in my foyer playing jacks with this precious young man than I can remember being. Onesies, twosies, threesies … bliss.
While we waited for the new year to ring in last night, we silently acknowledged our 2013 wishes and dreams.
Mine is simply that those I hold most dear be happy, healthy, and that they make their way to the place that’s best for them.
Perhaps my wish for you is the same … may you be happy, healthy, and may you make your way to the place that’s best for you.
With love and tender wishes for a the year ahead,
