A Great Reason to Lose Sleep
The sound of the back door opening and closing woke me up a couple of times at first. Then, the loud squeaking noise of the oven being opened and closed. I guess those dumb hinges need to be oiled. Oh well, it is an older oven. On the other hand, the entire house smelled delish!!
My story doesn't necessarily have a deep life lesson this time. I just want to share some of the joy of our non-traditional Thanksgiving week.
We didn't have a family get together this year. We planned to do it after Turkey Day, but things haven't work out. I am okay with it though- let me tell you why.
Many of you know that when your kids become adults, you often have to share them. You have to share them with their partners, their in-laws, their friends, their children, their jobs. etc.
They have to learn to share us (their parents) too sometimes. This has been the case with us, as my mother-in-law's health has been declining at a fast pace this year.
Our son and his girlfriend had planned to cook (smoke) their first turkey, to serve to a group of their friends on Wednesday, Thanksgiving eve. On Tuesday afternoon, he told me that he had the turkey. Even though it was thawing, he was worried that they wouldn't have it finished in time for guests Wednesday night. He asked to use his Dad's smoker and then confessed "We realize now that we really don't know what we're doing!" So we said "Come on over!"
They hauled a huge, raw 19 pound bird into the kitchen in a big pan. Fortunately, my husband is a grillmeister! So he helped them choose the right wood chips to use and how much, how to lift the skin to rub the meat with spices...all that stuff I know nothing about.
They also determined that it would need several hours in the smoker. Then it had to be cooked in the oven for a few more hours.
Our son's partner left for work about 8 pm, but Turkey Chef, Jr. stayed until almost 3 am. I'd gone to bed about 11 pm. I ended up being awake more than asleep, but I laid there feeling content.
I just loved having my son with us because I don't get to spend much time with him. My big boy told us that he enjoyed the comfort of hanging out at our house with us. Now those words are sweet music to a mama's ears!
Oh, and the turkey was magnifique'! We got some of the leftovers.
It just so happened that my daughter was sick Thanksgiving week. Huge bummer!
She has a very active 3 yr old and her husband works full-time. He's had to work extra hours too lately.
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| Our recent playtime creations! |
I was also able to be a nurse for my girl-child, taking medicine and drinks to her in bed. I gave her a little Mom pep talk too.
Honestly, I am not sure who it helped the most, her or me.
I am very grateful that my kids live locally. I so appreciate the fact that they're so good to their parents!
I think we all experience that mysterious phenomenon of time passing faster the older we get. I notice this often! I can't seem to keep up!
Sometimes I feel that I'm still not completely adjusted to my children being adults, or to the fact that I'm a grandmother. I guess we've all been changing year by year, as life's circumstances change.
Just like everyone, we've had some difficult transitions and some wonderful ones.
Last year, our holiday season was sad and stressful. Maybe that's another reason I am so mushy-gushy about these recent special moments with our kids. I think it's why I don't care that we didn't have a family meal together like we planned. It's often the unexpected little moments shared that make the best memories.
Alright, enough of my Hallmark sentimentality!
Yes, the kids are grown, but I am still Mom! My husband is still Dad.
We still wear our titles proudly, even if our roles are no longer the same.
I'm so glad that our children are independent and responsible. It's not too often anymore that we are needed in Momish and Dadish ways, but it feels so right when it does happen. You know, kind of warm and cozy, and even better than a good night's sleep.
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