Merry Little Christmas

Our original party was planned for the 30th of December, but due to a snow storm and illness we postponed it to the next possible day and that fell on Ukrainian Christmas day, yesterday.  We haven't honored the Julian calendar in either of our families for years, but like Todd pointed out, maybe it would be the wiser choice for our celebrations as all the prices on Christmas goodies drop dramatically on Boxing Day.

It was thought our party would come to an early end, but after quite easily convincing Amy and Corey to stay, we didn't get home until 10:30. 

Dawson got dropped off by his Grandpa Jerry at about 10 am and we got to have a little visit with him and Tim, a family friend.  It was so nice to meet Jerry, a very easy to like person, and to see that our nephew is in very loving, capable hands. 

Angela drove to pick up Asia from Preeceville in the morning, and when I told Dawson his sister would be there, he was very moved.  He really doesn't get to see her often enough.  It is a big question in our family as to how they might get to know each other better.  I assured Dawson, that once they are both older and not so much under the demands of their families, they would be able to build their relationship on their own.  I truly hope they do eventually come together.

Although our party was a fun and lively one, and the food was good, and everyone enjoyed their gifts, for me there is always a shadow lurking nearby.  It contains thoughts of a lost sister and the alcoholism that consumes so much of our family.  I wonder how many of our children will succumb to the disease. I try to keep these thoughts at bay by spending time with the kiddos, laughing with my sisters, encouraging my Dad to tell the good stories and so on.  As a matter of fact, I heard a story about myself as child that was very new to me.  Apparently, while at a doctor's visit, (Dr. Raju who delivered me in Theodore) I was sitting in his wife's lap when I tried to rub off the red circle, (Bindi) on her forehead.  This gave her a laugh path time, and made me giggle so many years later at a child's naivety.

I think just about everyone got a chance to play "Rock Band", and I in particular made a fool of myself on the mic.  A video even found it's way onto Facebook. Darn Shawn!  I was DD for our evening out, and while laughing about something, Corey stopped and asked me how it was I could enjoy myself so much while not drinking.  An interesting question, that made me look at myself quite differently.  He added, that I must just be a naturally happy person.  Well, we know that's not true. Or is it?  Maybe it is coming back, albeit a slow process. Or maybe it is always there.  Something for deeper reflection another day.  I just told him I was around people I enjoyed and left it at that, but he still looked at me like I was a World Wonder.  It's sad that there are many of us who were raised to believe that alcohol is synonymous with fun and in fact required.  I guess I mean to change that.

This morning, Amy and Corey stopped by for a breakfast of pancakes, eggs and bacon. I even whipped up some fresh chocolate chip muffins. They were on their way before 10am, and we left for Wynyard not long after to deliver Dawson back to his Grandparents. It was my hope to be reacquainted with Stephanie and get to know them better.  We visited with Jerry at the house and then headed over to Subway for lunch where I met up with Stephanie.  We had a quick, deep and to be continued chat, mostly about Laura Lee, and a bit about Chris.  We had more time with Jerry in their lovely home and he offered a lot of insight into their experience with their son and Grandson.  In the end, we decided it would be good to get together for a longer visit come Spring or summer.  The gist of it was that we were all glad to meet each other and form a connection for Dawson's sake.

I kept my phone on me for most of the evening and took a lot of photos.