Happy Thanksgiving! It was this past weekend in Canada (I'm early for my American friends).
Started the w/e by doing a radio interview for the hospital fund raiser (that asked me). It went really well and a number of people heard it and thanked me. I felt good about doing something new for my new community.
The colours are glorious. We enjoyed them in our drives and a chilly outing in the boat. I see buses go by daily with tourists trying to take it all in and the steamship went by yesterday filled to the brim with photographers.
My 2 younger kids arrived for the weekend and Ashley's boyfriend. Brandon had decided a week ago not to come and I was really disappointed. I know this stems a lot from the divorce and some residual feelings of anger. In one of his texts he mentioned that he has not seen his dad in 6 months. I reminded him that his relationship with his dad had nothing to do with me. That I was ALWAYS here for him and would be hurt if he did not come. But that I understood. Part of it is that he does not have a girlfriend and he would be with Josh and I & Ashley and her boyfriend. So I made sure that he and I got in some one on one time.
Saturday was our community Thanksgiving dinner. Josh and I went over and set up on Friday night then we both served on Saturday. We finished in time to have dinner with the kids there - their first opportunity to attend a big event in our new town. It was so nice.
Sunday was our turkey dinner. Josh had ordered a 22 lb fresh turkey as we had 4 friends from Buffalo who were supposed to come. She recently had hip surgery, though and was not up to the drive - so we have turkey, turkey, turkey - turkey galore! It was so yummy, though.
Played a couple of games including one where we answer questions. That's always a bit enlightening. One question was "What would you do if you won the lottery". Both of my children answered (in slightly different ways) that they would buy houses in my new town (they currently live 2 & 3 hours away) and also that they would buy homes in Florida. Just like Mom! Interesting... I had been getting the feeling they were pulling away - not wanting so much togetherness.
Another interesting thing. They did not mention their father one time. He usually comes up in conversation in some form at every event but not this one. Ashley was here 3 nights, Brandon, 2. She drove him home. Neither made any attempt to phone him. It's kind of sad. 2 years ago he sat them down and talked to them about burying the hatchet, coming for Thanksgiving or another family type dinner and they pondered it. But for them - that would mean accepting maggot and they have made it clear - no way! Part of me gets that - I don't want anything to do with her either, but part of me feels so sad for them. He does see them for their birthdays and Christmas but not much besides that. If it were me - I would take them on a small holiday or away for a weekend for that one on one time without maggot - not force her on them. But it's his choice. He IS seeing Ryan this w/e. He asked me to have Ryan's nurse bring him to the mall (about 90 min away) and they will visit.
And I'm off to Disney World with Ryan and 2 workers in just 11 days! If you recall - we had to cancel his trip 2 years ago as he was in a coma. I am SO grateful at another chance. He has been good since his release from hospital in August. I thank God every day for that - my greatest gift.
Long post, I know. Life after divorce for me is pretty good. But I'm living one day at a time. And putting one foot in front of the other. And that's the best I can do.
