Update on Christmas dilemma

**Dutchie** · 12-20-2011, 02:25 AM

I just thought I would give everyone an update on how things are.

Some of you have maybe read the new thread of mine about dh, eldest son and I going to see my parents in Scotland on Jan 14th because of photos of my father that our eldest showed me (he had taken them on his phone when he was there).

The three of us have decided that we really don't care anymore who is at the Christmas dinner table since in the big scheme of things it really isn't all that important.

Funny how things turn out sometimes - it takes something like those photos to put things into perspective.
(The photos haunt almost every waking moment I have.)

**mauimagic** · 12-20-2011, 02:28 AM

totally understand...... mahalo for sharing your insight and perspective - I am sure it will impact each of us - as it should. Aloha to all - am so looking forward to hearing about your trip to Scotland - number one on my bucket list.

**frugalwarrior2** · 12-20-2011, 04:10 AM

Glad for your decision. Let the squabblers have their day and you can seek whats more important. My parents seem to age in leaps. We talk everyday on the phone in the morning.BUT the face to face a few times a year shocks.
Have a wonderful time. Hugs.

**geckoace** · 12-20-2011, 12:24 PM

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season, whatever happens.

**pinetree** · 12-20-2011, 01:45 PM

Have a wonderful Christmas dinner, with lots of good memories. Also enjoy the visit with your parents.

**OOwl** · 12-20-2011, 01:53 PM

I've noticed that after a health crisis (or, in your case, a big shock with the photos), everything nonessential seems to just fall in its natural order and place. I've experienced that lately with what we've been through with our family member. Right now, today, he's home, and God willing, he has another Christmas with us. Everything we normally do at Christmas has changed. Giving up (or drastically scaling back) so much of it (like tons of presents, shopping, cooking, parties, etc.) has been liberating! Lately, I come home from work and just sit there and talk to him, hours and hours of soaking up every word he has to say for as long as he'll talk. I'm trying to burn every moment into my memory bank for that time when he will no longer be with me. Rather than making me sad, I feel strangely peaceful about this dedicated time I'm spending. I wish you a memorable and happy holiday with your father.