Trent, You know, I've been noticing a pattern, that I could not see until this holiday season. Before my M crumbled, I looked forward to the holiday season. The music, family visits (sometimes), work celebrations, candy canes, and watching the kids get that 'Christmas morning' look when they were little. Last year I was in too much pain to see much of anything. I think I was in grief over my lost way of life. The music, family visits (sometimes), etc. all became reminders that I had failed. This year, we're doing things a little differently. Keeping a few 'old' traditions, and adopting a couple of 'new' ones, and keeping things more fluid...placing fewer expectations on one another. Its been good for the kids to see us like this. My point? I listen. In the elevator, on the radio, in the posts. And maybe it's me, but it seems that the holidays are a big trigger, much bigger than I would have ever admitted to before last year. As you know, in the NW, we are told, "If you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes and it will change." Good work, being open to new things, and the hope for a new and improved M. Merry Christmas. Peace.
