This December, my story and my daughter’s story are intersecting.
You might have noticed over the past several months that photos of my girl often include her guy…his name is Alex. And he is a really good guy.
Admittedly, I haven’t shared much about Kelsey’s relationship on my blog because this is one of those cases where I truly feel like this falls under the category of her story to tell. With her blessing though, I wanted to tell you a little bit about them.
So Kelsey and Alex have been dating almost a year…they met shortly after my girl moved back and started her new job. Tripp and I have had the opportunity to spend time with them as a couple, and it makes us so happy to see our girl so happy and to know that she has such a kind, caring, loving person in her life.
Yep…he’s a good one, y’all.
Alex, is not native to Oklahoma, but moved here from Montana (where his family is from) after he graduated from college. And every year at the holidays, he goes home to spend time with his family. This year my girl is going with him.
So that means that Christmas will look a little different for us this year. And I will admit that my first reaction to my girl not being home for Christmas was one of sadness and dread. I know that a big part of that is my natural aversion to change. The other part is just knowing that a piece of my heart will be missing on Christmas morning.
I have had a few weeks to make peace with this. Time, perspective, and some very honest, open-hearted conversations have helped. The truth of the matter is that this is the way things are supposed to go. I’m just a little slower at adapting than most.
But this I know for sure…I am not alone. I have so many friends who will separated from their loved ones this Christmas (for much harder, sadder reasons). So with this in mind, rather than going into December with all this negative emotion, I am going to use this month as an invitation to explore what home and family and tradition mean to me. I am going to welcome this season of transition in my life and be open to new traditions. And I am going to use the month of December to embrace the new stories in this season of my life.
Thank you, as always, for allowing me to share my life and my stories with you.
Love, Kelly
How exciting that Kelsey can go to meet up with Alex’s family and be a part of their Christmas celebration. But also hard for you. Even positive change can be difficult to adjust to. I’m sure you and Tripp will have a great Christmas and begin making new traditions for the 2 of you. And she will be back to tell you of her new adventures.
Diane, thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement. Yes…I do believe that a positive attitude is going to be key. xoxo
Oh, Kelly! I get this. Been here, done this. And it.is.hard. It really never gets easier. But I’m so glad Alex is a great guy because Kelsey deserves no less. And I assure you, Kelsey has a bittersweet feeling about this holiday as well.
We didn’t have Campbell at Thanksgiving and it was hard on her mom and her Peepaw and DotDot. Our Thanksgiving was on Sunday, and we all just stared at her, we were so glad she was home. We have her for Christmas and we’re going to make the most of it. But I will be thinking of you and knowing how your mama heart feels.
Dottie, I can imagine how difficult it was to not have your granddaughter with you at Thanksgiving. It is a comfort to know that I am not alone in this. xoxo
That first holiday when they go someplace else is hard. But it sounds like you have the best attitude. And, they are an adorable couple!!
thank you so much friend! xo
Wow, Best Wishes for both branches of the family…
My one little word (OLW) this year was “transitions.” I considered the word “change,” but the word “change” seems too abrupt and too permanent for what we are both going through….transitions as our young adults celebrate the holidays and family traditions outside the home without us. It is not like they will never, ever be home again for the holidays. We just have to share them now. My husband and I survived this first Thanksgiving without our family surrounding us. ( I wrote you previously about this occurrence.) It was different, for sure. Now for Christmas, none will be home, as well. But two of the four are coming up to Oregon from CA AFTER Christmas to celebrate The New Year. They’ve asked that Dad fix his famous pizza for New Year’s Eve. That we toast with Mom’s favorite libation of Argyle Black Brut. That instead of going around the table and pondering what we are thankful for as a tradition at Thanksgiving, that instead we go around the table and consider 2018 goals. New traditions. And….if Kelsey and Alex wed, you might be spending your holidays in Montana on occasion, not even at YOUR home. The more the merrier! And once children hit the scene…. a whole ‘other transition! The important point to remember is you all still love and support each other whatever the locale at the holidays.