Take a moment and check out the expressions on your holiday ornaments.
Lets just say, this Santa is so Ho*Ho*Hover it!
Lets just say, this Santa is so Ho*Ho*Hover it!
The years melted away this morning as I visited with a dear friend that I hadn't seen for a couple of years despite the fact that we only live an hour apart. As we talked we were struck by the realization that our friendship has spanned 23 years. Twenty-Three! I am a few years her senior, but we are both in the same throws of life - children going off to college, or graduating college, or nearly going to college. COLLEGE COLLEGE COLLEGE! I think it hit us both this morning that this next "stage" of life is as scary, if not more so, than when we embarked on starting our careers and families. Some how I thought it would be more concrete and I would be more confident, assured and ultimately relaxed. Why on earth I would ever think that I don't know. You are not finished growing children just because they graduate high school - not even close! So as that popular tune goes.....
"In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy....!"
"In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy....!"
I'm reading your observations and nodding my head. I'm feeling very much like you these days . . . The ground under me is boggy. I don't know what to make of these kids that are adults, but not quite. I'm having to let go of some traditions, in order to accomodate the changing needs of these quasi-adults, and contemplating the daunting task of starting some new customs for our family and even for just my husband and myself. It's so nice that you got to spend time with your friend, though. Friends become more cherished the older we get.
ReplyDeleteAw man, who could make such an unhappy Santa!? I do love his hand painted look though. :) How fun to meet up and reminice with an old friend. Hopefully you can have more of those visits with her in the future!
ReplyDeleteAwww, poor dude--he looks worn out and discouraged. Must be the TSA hassles--I imagine the pat-down was particularly irritating. I know where you're at, having been through that stage with my kids. I'm glad you have reconnected with your friend and can share the perspective of all those years.
ReplyDeletePS--LOVE love the winter header!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteNicki, I just read through your last few posts, and what a treat! Your writing and observations are always so inspiring to me! Your Santa Grump inspired the photo I'm planning to post tonight, and Pat's TSA observations really cracked me up! And your thoughts about those young adults launching has me both amused and highly compassionate, given that Dianna, the youngest, is now 22.
ReplyDeleteBut, please, tell me I can be spared from Talking Tom! And Angry Birds? You have me afraid. Very. Afraid.
Very funny on Santa!!!!! I was lucky. I started dating The-Guy when my now stepdaughter was 19, so I got to kind of watch the college age thing from up close yet afar before we moved in together & got married. I keep hoping that having been through it that way will help when my daughter gets to that age, but somehow I doubt that will be the case.
ReplyDelete