For the first time ever, we spent Christmas away from home last year. We had a delightful and cozy time, visiting our daughter and son-in-law in their lovely Oregon home. My brother and his wife live nearby, on the Oregon-Washington border, and they joined us for a festive Christmas dinner.
We didn't celebrate Christmas with our two sons, daughter-in-law and six month old granddaughter last year, though, until we returned later that week
.
Truthfully, we were fine with that... but to our secret surprise, we were missed. Both Ryan, now 28, and Kevin, now 23, said it wasn't quite the same for them.
We're home this year, and, of course, we're hosting the family Christmas dinner. Trisha and Nino will remain in Oregon, and we'll miss their presence.
But I admit... I've deeply loved hearing from our sons how they're looking forward to celebrating the holiday at home with us.
Kevin, buried deep in his studies, work and head-over-heels for girlfriend Tessa, emailed me yesterday just to say he can't wait for Christmas here. And hard-working Ryan, husband and doting father, told me by phone last night that he and his family are excited about being here for the holiday.
I am many things... wife, sister, daughter, friend, neighbor, not to mention writer, community volunteer, activist, business woman.
But at my essence, I am a mother (and grandmother). I love our children. I pray for them daily, and they're always with me. I'm feeling kind of special... and appreciated... that they long to celebrate the holidays with us.
That's the only gift I need this Christmas!
(Although... please ask me about my Amazon wish list. :) I have lots of wants...)
