Tradition is an odd thing. It is what makes us comfortable. It is what sparks all the warm and fuzzy memories that we live for. But it can also be rigid and traumatic when not followed exactly as planned.
Our own Christmas tradition has been so disrupted by parental illness and demise. We ventured east to Tucson to spend it with Curtis' dad and stepmom. For the past couple of weeks I have been so excited to get out of Los Angeles and come to the desert to visit my in-laws - an escape, a fresh start, a needed break. It was a busy couple of days and finally today we were all home to put up the tree. Trimming a tree should be fun and enjoyable, but it wasn't. In the end all the participants noted those that were missing. In blending all the traditions nobody's ritual seemed the right fit and we all felt a bit let down. Emotional pain is an interesting monster. You hope you can leave it behind, but it travels with you even if you least expect it and don't care for it to come along.
I love this blog, and appreciate all of your honesty that you share. Because ,you see I think many of us experience the strain of the traditional Christmas during times when the monster in the room is overwhelming, I thank you for being you, and hope that the monster gives you a break soon. Love tj
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