Christmas 2018

Some of you may not like Last Man Standing, or Tim Allen...Kim lol but he does vlogs. He just did one about being a perfect parent. Raise your hand if you are one, raise your hand if you had one...the score is 0 to 0. I liked that. He then reminded me of the quote that says, Staying mad/holding grudges is like drinking poison and hoping the other person will die. I apologize if I said that wrong, I cannot remember it verbatim



This year Christmas was almost like an after thought. I was spending time being a daughter, and trying to take care of my parents. All of us imperfect. Despite this, I managed to regift, or egift those that I care about. The best part of it all, was time. Kimberly, Shad and Desi made an amazing meal from veggie and fruit/deviled eggs to pumpkin pie. The turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, rolls, pistachio pudding, all of it, was incredible. We also played games off and on all day. Ashley and Andrew were able to stop over to eat and play a couple of games which ended the night on a perfect note.

I know that mom and dad appreciated the items I did to help around the house, but mostly, as always, we sat around and just spent time together.  I cannot remember who I was talking to, but we were talking about service. It used to be that money was what was needed the most. Now most people write a check and put it out of their minds when what is needed is time. Reading stories, taking walks, watching a movie, listening to them - thoughts and stories.

I have been learning that life is so very short. I know that we hear elderly people talk about how fast life is going, enjoy it, take time for yourselves and each other etc. but it did not really hit, at least not for me, until the last decade. Now, as often as I can I email or call mom to ask questions about her life, and I record as much as I can. I only got dad Larry on the recorder a couple of times and I wish I had so much more. I had slacked off on questions via email to mom and have not started with dad Dave yet, and I need to step it up.

I am unfortunately not going to be around for that long. Does not seem like it but I am over the half way mark already. As I have said before, no age bothered me except 25. Seemed so ancient back then. Quarter of a century seemed like wow, it is all down hill from here. 50 was no big deal to me. 54 is not a big deal. 55 is not necessarily a big deal but it has slapped me upside the head and made me realize that I am getting up there. Life starts to slow down in a decade or so and I am already going slow!!

OK, enough babbling. I love my family. I appreciate being able to spend time with you all when it is possible, when you are able. I think about you and continue to worry/rejoice/be proud etc. when you cannot. Just glad for all of it!! Love love love you all!!