Anyway, I've been thinking about the holidays and my excitement to see my kids and sister, my family, and friends in both NC and OH. In the process, I've also been compiling a list of what I want for Christmas.
So, cue the music:
All I want for Christmas is to be with these folks around the Christmas tree, the fireplace, and the dining room table in my parents' house in North Carolina.....
So many of those with whom we used to share those spaces are no longer with us, and we miss Mom and Daddy, Uncle Frank, Aunt Lib and Uncle Robert, as well as the Randall-Schadel family who will be in OH this Christmas. Regardless, we continue the extended family tradition: we eat well, laugh a lot, share stories, and revel in the love we've shared for over 60 years now.
And I want to spend time with these two - the loves of my life. If I've accomplished anything of note in my days upon the planet, it would have to be concretizing the unwavering bond between Samuel and Eliza. They honor and respect each other and always have each other's back. My greatest accomplishments, my greatest gifts.
And I'll be awfully happy to be with my sister during the holidays.
We are greatly different in many ways, but our bond parallels that of my children's, and I dont' know what I'd do without her.
Otherwise, I'd like some slippers since my 30-year old ones now have a hole I can stick my entire foot through, and I'd like a head flashlight - one of those things I can strap on my head when I need both hands and a flashlight at the same time. For me, that's about it.
Hopefully, Santa's helpers are within earshot.