Tomorrow, my wife, my eldest son, my step-son and I will climb into a rental car and drive cross-country to Louisiana.
Since I've been in California, two of my grandparents have passed away. Some of my fondest holiday memories were with them and at their home. Last year, the family sold that house, and last year, I chose not to go home for Christmas. It's like that old song, "Christmas just ain't Christmas without the ones you love."
So, this journey will be both joyous and sad for me. I can't wait to see my mom and dad, my other grandmother—who is in her 80s and still slops her hogs daily—my toddling niece, and—those I miss most of all—my two youngest children.
Their smiles alone will make the trip worth while.
I plan to spend New Year's Eve in the Big Easy—as I have many times in my youth, but New Orleans after Katrina isn't the city I remember, so that event too will have its melancholy side.
When I think about it, Christmas is really bitter-sweet for most everyone—each balancing providing gifts and visiting loved-ones with scheduling time and juggling finances.
Beyond my rambling, I guess I really just wanted to let everyone know this blog will be silent for a couple of weeks—and I wanted to say that I sincerely hope that the Pros of your holiday season outweigh the Cons four-to-one.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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