Last year, LE was with his mom on Thanksgiving Day.
In an effort to prove that ’sitting around and moping while your kids are with the other parent’ isn’t the only alternative for solo-dads, I Twittered my day and then blogged about here it a few days later.
Here’s a snippet (read the full post here):
It reminded me of the Zen saying…
“Before enlightenment, carrying water, chopping wood. After enlightenment, carry water, chopping wood.”
What Did I Do?
I made coffee, drank it from my favorite Beatles mug, read email, read blogs, wrote, did some light housework, washed dishes, made good headway in the assault on Mt. Laundry (received some laundry-related reassurance and encouragement from Pam), watched The Bourne Ultimatum..again
, cooked some tasty chicken breasts, steamed broccoli and fingerling potatoes (note to self, send Garlic Crusted Chicken recipe to Rebecca M), got a killer cheese-biscuit recipe on Twitter from Jen, received a dinner invitation to munch on some of those cheese-biscuits from Sue C (which I couldn’t make because…well…she lives in Maine), had an after dinner drink at a seaside pub at the beach, strolled along the ocean, witnessed an amazing sunset (is it totally obvious why I live here), and settled in to watch some TV with a cup of black pekoe tea and a splash of half-n-half…all the while Tweeting updates to those tracking my day while engaging in their own celebrations (or lack thereof in Canada and the UK).
While rereading that post today…
I was struck how different my life is today vs. a year ago.
- LE has really stepped into this teen years in a big way; he’s grown a foot, slimmed down dramatically in the process, and his voice is deeper every day.
- My personal life has also become more meaningful. I have more friends, I have a great dog that keeps me busy and active, and I have a beautiful new granddaughter!
- My job is more meaningful and challenging. A corporate reorganization left me with new bosses and less staff. But it’s forced me to stretch and carry more responsibility and it’s working out well.
- My sense of family is taking on a new meaning as well. As my parents age, I can see a time when I will be become the unofficial patriarch of the family. Following my dad’s example of unconditional love and acceptance is a goal I will gladly adopt.
This Year’s Celebration…
…Included my son, Ben and his lovely bride, Crystal, my parents, and LE. We convened here at the beach bungalow for an ocean-side Thanksgiving.
After some appetizers (cheese plate, various crackers, chips and dip/salsa, Naan flatbread, and other goodies…we dined on my ham (I’m saving the turkey for Christmas), steamed green beans and butternut quash cubes, Crystal’s incredibly creamy mashed potatoes and her tasty stuffing (LE asked for the recipe), Ben’s dinner rolls (homemade), and my mom’s sweet potatoes.
We took a beach walk with Buddy leading the way. Afterward, we slice up the pies -fresh blueberry, pumpkin, and french apple a la mode- while Ben and LE dived into Marianne’s Chocolate ice cream. Coffee and Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider flowed as did the Petitte Syrah!
Later we telephoned Bethany and David in Alaska and collectively ‘on speaker’ wished them a Happy Thanksgiving and for while they were with us as well.
Today, my son Jeremy and his girlfriend Perrine are come to stay. It will be good to see them as well. 
Sounds lovely! you seem to be finding your own peace