At this point in the year gift giving is everywhere. What is the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year? (Author: Holly Root)
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Beyond that, I've been so grateful to have lovely friends. Some have been around a long time, others for fewer but no less important moments. Single parenting is not something foreign to me, but single parenting with zero sense of safety net - even a false sense - is a new trial. My friends have provided comfort and distraction, laughter and tears, validation and challenge. Their gifts of words and time are small but constant which makes them huge and I am ever so grateful for their support and love.
Trips to Europe, Arizona, Maritimes and Barbados were the greatest adventures and by far the most extravagant gifts of the year. Growing up, from my father I learned that the best gifts were those of adventure and experience. I am embracing that belief and in the short time I have left with my kids, I hope to imbed in them the same principle.
In a more tangible sense, the gifts through this year were practical with focus on our new home: major water repairs including a replacement bathroom, new light fixtures, living room couch, washer & dryer and air conditioners. Pretty boring. And a few things for the kids: braces, math tutors and our naturopath kept teeth, minds and bodies functioning well.
The greatest gift I received this year is the freedom of time to focus on my family and my home without any outside obligation. For that I am thankful and mindful, every day.
One gift, for which I am delighted, I received from my children. They are all growing up so quickly and finding and redefining themselves as circumstances change and opportunities arise. They are discovering interests outside of those I've provided or influenced. Indeed, I've actually done my best to keep quiet about those things I did as a child and have watched them embrace exactly those things: swimming, volleyball, singing, acting. Their interests are now completely in line with sports and arts that I completely understand and enjoy. The cohesion of their interests with mine is such a change, and a gift.
Beyond that, I've been so grateful to have lovely friends. Some have been around a long time, others for fewer but no less important moments. Single parenting is not something foreign to me, but single parenting with zero sense of safety net - even a false sense - is a new trial. My friends have provided comfort and distraction, laughter and tears, validation and challenge. Their gifts of words and time are small but constant which makes them huge and I am ever so grateful for their support and love.
Trips to Europe, Arizona, Maritimes and Barbados were the greatest adventures and by far the most extravagant gifts of the year. Growing up, from my father I learned that the best gifts were those of adventure and experience. I am embracing that belief and in the short time I have left with my kids, I hope to imbed in them the same principle.
In a more tangible sense, the gifts through this year were practical with focus on our new home: major water repairs including a replacement bathroom, new light fixtures, living room couch, washer & dryer and air conditioners. Pretty boring. And a few things for the kids: braces, math tutors and our naturopath kept teeth, minds and bodies functioning well.
The greatest gift I received this year is the freedom of time to focus on my family and my home without any outside obligation. For that I am thankful and mindful, every day.
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