I had heard from others that when my daughter came home for the holidays it would be great. Then by the end of it I’d probably be ready to see her on her way back to school and get back to ‘normal’. I thought okay, I understand what they are saying about the new dynamics and routine changing but let’s see how this plays out for me, for us, for our family!
We Easily Fell Back into Our Family Unit
During the three weeks together we all easily fell back into our family unit of 4, 5 including our faithful chocolate lab who seemed extra happy to have her pack back together! It was a joyous time, a time to celebrate and just be together. There were many family dinners home and out, skiing for my husband and the girls (reading for me), time together up north, holiday shopping, movies, lunches, friends, etc.
A Tear-filled Goodbye
Fast forward to all four of us standing in a long line at the train station with all these young adults heading back to their school ‘homes’. We seemed to be the exception with more of the young adults standing on their own in line. I could tell our family unit energy was interesting to others around us and perhaps even comforting. My husband providing an easy going option for a couple of the younger male adults to ask their questions to.
All of a sudden it was time to say goodbye and we created a family jam in the line when hugging our oldest girl. As we walked away my younger daughter started to cry; I had been fine until I saw and felt her sadness of her big sis leaving. I did the only thing that came naturally to me; held her hand, and told her it was okay to be sad. It was okay to cry and I shed some tears along with her as we walked to the parking garage.
As I sat on the couch later that evening reflecting on how the last three weeks went I thought, no, I wasn’t derailed by the new dynamic or of my routine being affected. In fact this past holiday break may have been the first one I wasn’t dying for school to start again or to get back into routine. I loved the family time we spent together without the urge of wanting it to be something different! I felt peaceful and accepting of what is.
Did you have a similar experience over the holiday season with accepting changes?
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Wishing you and yours a happy new year!
Nicole