Happy Holidays?

“Happy ThanksViding!”  Our new name for Thanksgiving under COVID quarantine.  Ten days ago our Youngest Girl tested positive so we are biding our time, our 14 days of house arrest.  

I have much to be thankful for and spend over an hour this morning journaling and listing the very things for which I am grateful. Some very big and life changing, others small but no less important. Health and healing in my family, a special delivery from our neighbors, the bluebirds coming and going at our feeders this time of year. (I think you get the picture.)

At the same time, I find myself with too much quiet and my heart feels a bit heavy. 

My Oldest Boy, now a man, is living in another state and spending the Holiday with his girlfriend's family.  Our Oldest Girl, now a young woman, is similarly with her boyfriend’s family.  Keeping her distance from our COVID situation.  This is the season we are in. The chicks flying the nest, returning once and again.  Spending those all important family holidays with their new “family” or their circle of friends.  

I am thankful for their circles, yet I won’t lie.  It stings a bit. It stings in that bittersweet way.  I am happy for them, and simultaneously struggling to process the weird emptiness left in their absence. 

It’s the same  with my other two, Youngest Boy and Youngest Girl. They are not so young anymore and often have their own agenda and plans.  She is sleeping in and he went to his girlfriends to make fresh scones.  So much blessing and goodness in these sentences. She is healthy and recovering from a very mild case of COVID and he is enjoying the richness of life as a 20 year old.

Today will be different I am sure. For so many of us and for so many different reasons. 

Today will also be good.  I am sure of that as well.  If nothing else, in this season of change, I am learning to find the good and blessing.  

And just like that, I hear Youngest Girl. Up and going.  Headed to the kitchen to help with Thanksgiving preparations. Funny how quickly the moment and energy can change. 

Today, amongst the quiet, the cooking, the small table, the traditional comfort food, and even amongst the quarantine.  I am thankful.    “Happy ThanksViding!”