2009 was a roller-coaster year and this last week or so was no different. We went home to CT for Xmas: despite all the hyped foul weather predictions, the trip went smoothly with no delays. It was a healing visit. Olivia and I hadn't seen my family since August; Aaron since February. We got to marinate in the family soup and feel supported by it.
Olivia has changed a lot in the interval. Her hair is long and she's taller. She's at a stage where she can be shy in new situations, which is at odds with what people know of her happy, outgoing disposition. She had a great time with adoring relatives of all stripes, 3 friendly dogs and a grandparent's home filled with toys. Got to romp in snow, race around with cousins, and make unreasonable toddler demands that were usually accommodated.
Xmas day Olivia got more presents than she literally knew what to do with. We had to space out the gift opening over a few days to allow her to focus a bit. Aaron and I were humbled and heartened by the love that was showered on our little girl from all directions.
I was thinking that, in my whole childhood, I can only remember 2 gifts of the many that I got at all the Christmases. I have happy memories instead of my family joking and laughing, running around with all the cousins, all the foods and decorations. How lucky I was to have that circle of light. How lucky we all were really.
Aaron and I were both under the weather for the whole trip and couldn't get out of second gear. It filled our tanks to just hang out on various couches. We had vague plans to catch up with some friends, but couldn't muster the wherewithal. We got to go to a matinee, which is a treat for us, but other than that we stayed close to home.
After all the joyous celebrating, the day before we left, Aaron got a call from work. He was told the project he is working on is suspended and he cannot bill any more hours until further notice. And that about encapsulates this last year for us. Financial precariousness side by side with familial support. Wish the first part of that sentence were different. Suppose if it were we wouldn't so fully understand the second part.
Best wishes for a new year filled with love and light.
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glad to hear you had the opportunity to ALL get to CT. I know Mom was thrilled to have you there. Sent you a card but left out one of the digits in your address. So let me send you our love for a happy, healty and much MORE PROSPEROUS 2010!! Love from all of the Smiths in MA.
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