everyone misses somebody
I miss my mom's hangover soup. It was simple, and I really don't remember much of what was in it besides tomatoes, onions, and hamburger meat, but it really worked. I miss how whenever I was feeling bored, lonely, or depressed I could get in my car and drive 10 minutes to come see her. I'd show up, get greeted by hugs and she'd start in on all the yummy food she was cooking for dinner and tell me I had to stay. (Her love of culinary is where mine stemmed; she's an excellent cook.)
I miss being able to curl up on the chair in the living room and watch silly TV shows like 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire' or 'Cops' for hours. Since I moved out of my parents house I've never had cable (except for at my last apartment, but it was because I had a roommate) so it was always a treat to let my mind go for a bit.
I could show up wearing ripped, baggy jeans and a hoodie and I was always accepted and loved the same, because a mothers love is unconditional. It didn't matter if I was hung-over and looked like death, everything was always comfortable.
And that's what I miss the most - the comfort. Sure, I have my apartment here in Portland, my own sacred, comfortable space but it feels like that's all I have, which is why I choose to not leave it as much. I made this decision to move far away from my family and I don't regret it, yet it bothers me when others take their family for granted. Everyone argues. Parent vs. kid disagreements are bound to happen and they hurt more than we'd like to admit sometimes, but that's life. That's what makes our bonds stronger; our ability to voice every concern to the one we love and still continue to love them with every piece of our heart.
As we grow these relationships go through so many changes. As teenagers we rebel, yell and cause trouble any way we can - and with most of us, it causes extreme strain between both parties. I know I was never as close to my parents as I am today. We mature and instead of seeing our parents as the enemy we move forward and realize they are on the same side as us, fighting for the same thing; our independence and success. They don't care if we don't have $100K yearly salaries, they just want us to be happy. They don't care if we don't go to college an emerge as Dr's and Lawyers - remember, there is a difference between disappointment and unconditional love. It all sounds so obvious, but you'd be amazed at how many people forget!
I'm feeling nostalgic because it's the holidays again and I just realized I've never spent a Christmas without my mom. She's always been there around the Holidays, even if we just skip the presents and go out drinking and playing pool. This year I can't afford the plane ticket back home and while it brings me down a bit, I know I'll be okay. I'll talk to her on Christmas, which isn't the same, but it will suffice.
Let's face it - if you're not deeply religious the holidays are not about celebrating Christ - it's about family, with the nice added bonus of giving and receiving gifts. If you are able to spend the time with your relatives then be thankful.
The founder of our company died this weekend, he was 86 and lived a very long, successful life. He is survived by his wife - and all I keep thinking about is her this Christmas. While his condition had been slowly deteriorating and was not entirely unexpected, I can't help but to feel empathy for her situation. I imagine it's difficult to lose the one you've been married to for over a 1/2 century - and probably more so over the holidays. I think about how while I can't see my mom this year I still probably have many more years to spend Christmas with her - his wife has none. What is left at that point?
This Christmas remember to be thankful for everything you have. If you are lucky enough to be close to your family, reach out and hug them. Show them you're glad you could spend the holidays in their company, because some people aren't so lucky. Life is precious, and sometimes it takes other peoples losses to realize just how much you really have. So remember and pass on your love any way you can - absorb the love that's given in return because someday you may find you really need it.
I miss being able to curl up on the chair in the living room and watch silly TV shows like 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire' or 'Cops' for hours. Since I moved out of my parents house I've never had cable (except for at my last apartment, but it was because I had a roommate) so it was always a treat to let my mind go for a bit.
I could show up wearing ripped, baggy jeans and a hoodie and I was always accepted and loved the same, because a mothers love is unconditional. It didn't matter if I was hung-over and looked like death, everything was always comfortable.
And that's what I miss the most - the comfort. Sure, I have my apartment here in Portland, my own sacred, comfortable space but it feels like that's all I have, which is why I choose to not leave it as much. I made this decision to move far away from my family and I don't regret it, yet it bothers me when others take their family for granted. Everyone argues. Parent vs. kid disagreements are bound to happen and they hurt more than we'd like to admit sometimes, but that's life. That's what makes our bonds stronger; our ability to voice every concern to the one we love and still continue to love them with every piece of our heart.
As we grow these relationships go through so many changes. As teenagers we rebel, yell and cause trouble any way we can - and with most of us, it causes extreme strain between both parties. I know I was never as close to my parents as I am today. We mature and instead of seeing our parents as the enemy we move forward and realize they are on the same side as us, fighting for the same thing; our independence and success. They don't care if we don't have $100K yearly salaries, they just want us to be happy. They don't care if we don't go to college an emerge as Dr's and Lawyers - remember, there is a difference between disappointment and unconditional love. It all sounds so obvious, but you'd be amazed at how many people forget!
I'm feeling nostalgic because it's the holidays again and I just realized I've never spent a Christmas without my mom. She's always been there around the Holidays, even if we just skip the presents and go out drinking and playing pool. This year I can't afford the plane ticket back home and while it brings me down a bit, I know I'll be okay. I'll talk to her on Christmas, which isn't the same, but it will suffice.
Let's face it - if you're not deeply religious the holidays are not about celebrating Christ - it's about family, with the nice added bonus of giving and receiving gifts. If you are able to spend the time with your relatives then be thankful.
The founder of our company died this weekend, he was 86 and lived a very long, successful life. He is survived by his wife - and all I keep thinking about is her this Christmas. While his condition had been slowly deteriorating and was not entirely unexpected, I can't help but to feel empathy for her situation. I imagine it's difficult to lose the one you've been married to for over a 1/2 century - and probably more so over the holidays. I think about how while I can't see my mom this year I still probably have many more years to spend Christmas with her - his wife has none. What is left at that point?
This Christmas remember to be thankful for everything you have. If you are lucky enough to be close to your family, reach out and hug them. Show them you're glad you could spend the holidays in their company, because some people aren't so lucky. Life is precious, and sometimes it takes other peoples losses to realize just how much you really have. So remember and pass on your love any way you can - absorb the love that's given in return because someday you may find you really need it.