"For each new morning"

I've confessed that I've been struggling with the lead up to the holidays.

After last year, I decided that I would be home for this Christmas this year.

But, unfortunately that isn't going to happen.

And with a very close family member in the hospital,

the tears have been bouncing around the back of my eyes for days.

I'm really homesick.  I miss my family and friends so very much.

It's been almost two years which is too long.  So, I'm planning a trip home after the first of the year.

In the mean time, I'm determined to get a grip and enjoy the holidays.

This has always been my favorite time of year.

With a bit of encouragement from some expat friends on Twitter (Thank you!),

I made a bit of an effort last night by cooking a turkey breast and nuking some sides.

It did make me feel better.

With a good cry, Facetime with loved ones, some hugs from Matt and 10 hours of sleep last night,

I'm ready to embrace the holidays.

Today I'm thinking of my many blessings. And I am so thankful.

"For each new morning with its light,

for rest and shelter of the night,

for health and food, 

for love and friends,

 for everything Thy goodness sends."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

I can't have a post without a photo and although I did make an effort

on a Thanksgivingish Dinner, it certainly wasn't photo worthy.

Instead here's a picture of the fruits of some retail therapy.  They make me smile.

And they made Jessica roll her eyes and say "Mom, really?"

Mission accomplished.

How do you handle it when the holidays are tough instead of terrific?

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