For some, the reaction to this might be 'So what?' because not seeing family is just a part of life. But it has never really been a part of mine. I mean, in high school AP Gov clas I got confused a lot when my teacher yelled "Romer!" because sometimes it was to me, and sometimes it was to my cousin. I don't just have a lot of family, I have a lot of family that's around, and in each other's business. Sometimes the 'in each other's business' part is annoying, and sometimes it's wonderful. They have always been around and when it comes down to it, I really love the fact that I got to grow up that way. I meet so many clients who aren't on good terms with any relatives. I could ask any of mine for anything at any time and I would be so well taken care of. I know what a real gift a family like mine is.
This will be my first Thanksgiving away from home. It won't be a lonely Thanksgiving, for certain. Garrett will be here, and it will be spent with his family. I am lucky enough that his family has been incredibly good to me. I will still miss my Mommy's creamed spinach, Grandma G's sausage stuffing, Uncle Jed having his pie and then a plate of just whipped cream, and catching my Grandma' R in the kitchen eating leftover turkey right off the bone. And teaming up with my sister to pick on my Mom. And sitting at dinner for hours talking with my Dad. But not this year. And that's okay. I'm apparently becoming a real 'grown up' (I refuse to use the A word) and that means holidays away from home and family.
It isn't only holidays. I was jealous today because my parents were at the Browns game with my older brother. I miss just going to get dinner with my mom when no one else is at home and we're too tired to cook. I miss the option of going home for a weekend when something is going on, even something small. Small, selfish things, but I miss them nonetheless. The irony in all of this is the fact that I have no plans or even real desire to move back to Ohio. Or near Ohio. I moved away first chance I had, to Chicago. Then to Paris for a spell, and now to Denver. Next to Boston. Not really near Ohio. Not even in the midwest. And yet, here I am, pining away for home and my family. Maybe I need to work on a balance. Or detachment. Or just move home. I am still able to love my family from afar. And I know that if I wanted to come home my family would help me get there no matter what. I'm not a little kid and I can't just cry for my mom whenever I miss home a little bit. But sometimes I really do want to. I suppose it's mostly the pains of growing up (no A-word!) and having to prioritize. Graduate school that I love and will be very good to me has to come before football games and my favorite foods. Commitment to my boyfriend has to top an affinity for corn hole and seeing my parents all the time. I'll figure it out. Thanksgiving is just one day. And it's only four months.
