I recently relocated to Florida and after three weeks my husband and I drove back to New Jersey for Thanksgiving, our granddaughters seventh birthday and the birth of our first grandson. Honestly, I was not sure how I would handle the cold weather and gray tones of the northeast. I missed the blue skies, palm trees and sunlight, but the gifts I received on this trip made up for the dullness of early winter.
I have had some truly poignant moments with family and friends and as our trip winds down and we are ready to head south once again I am left with a a small chasm in my heart as I say goodbye to family and friends. Sadly, I was not able to see everyone I wanted to see. There just wasn't enough hours in the day. Plus I find that I the more time I spend with my loved ones the more time I want to spend with them. This craving will never be satisfied.
I'm not sure what our summer plans are so who know when we will return to New Jersey but I encourage family and friends to come and enjoy Florida with us; if only for a long weekend. The holidays are rough for most of us, filled with complex emotions and expectations as we look back on years past. Missing loved ones no longer with us can make the holidays even harder. I am trying to stay in the moment and enjoy my time spent with my loves ones. We never know what tomorrow will bring so count your blessings, stay in the moment and may your holidays be filled with peace, hope, happiness and the love of family and friends.