Holidays

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone, and while it was lonely without Mike, there were so many people around, it was okay.  As a matter of fact, this is the thing about all holidays.  You think they would be the most difficult times, but they really aren't due to the fact that they are so busy and full of people who care.  Mike was great to have around at Thanksgiving to keep me company while I cooked (because he definitely didn't cook!),  He was always fun to have around at Christmas because he always had such an appreciation for why Christmas comes - and he always made sure I had wine in my glass while I decorated the tree - because his only contribution to the tree was to put it in the stand, have a Manhattan and tell me how lovely the tree looked!!

The difficult times, I find, are those which were so personal.  By that, I mean, the early morning coffee full of conversation and laughter; the evening cocktail hour full of conversation and laughter about each day's activities!  Even, the time when you find yourselves unable to sleep at three in the morning, so you make coffee, watch reruns of Law & Order, and laugh about not being able to sleep.  Yes, the bottom line is the times you shared laughing about so many things.  Those times were so great to have and, for lack of a better word, crappy not to have any more.  Just a reminder of the things we so easily take for granted!

Attending St. Simon's By The Sea last week served as a great reminder of what comfort there is in going to church; so much so, that I actually tried it at the Presbyterian church this morning and found it quite satisfying.

So, while you all are probably tired of this reminder, I must once again say - hug, kiss, remind those about whom you care of your feelings.  No one can hear it too often. 

Saturday, I will be leaving North Carolina for Ohio.  It has been a wonderful visit here.  Everyone has been quite wonderful, but I am also looking forward to seeing the grandchildren for Christmas.  Thanks for tuning in.  Ricci