Ice capades

Please enjoy these pictures of the ice storm effects on my trees while I talk about something that's somewhat related...

Is that limb touching my chimney cap?

Had you asked me what my family would have looked like in early 2023 I would have said that it would look pretty much the same as it did in early 2020.  Knowing that my kids were almost fully independent and off living their own lives, but staying connected to their parents and each other.

Lost power and slowly losing light

In fact, every chance I've gotten since Mark died, I have asked them specifically not to lose touch with each other or with me.  I'm still here for you.  I wrote them each a letter in their Christmas card, telling them that for Christmas I wanted to stay connected as a family, for all of us to stay strong, and as their mom, keep seeing and hearing from them.

Its a good thing I have candles and wine

I guess I might as well have been speaking to the wind. I rarely hear from them. 

Hello, neighbor's tree

Two of them work long hours which leaves them zero time with which to foster relationships with anyone, let alone family.  One of them is married, so 100% of that person's free time is spent with a spouse.  And the fourth one is in a different city altogether, and I'm not sure how much effort he puts into maintaining relationships.  But that's making excuses for them and I should NOT do that.

Ice is pretty, not pretty

I try to remember my 20s and 30s and wonder if it was the same for me, but I do recall writing my mother snail mail letters on the regular, chatting with her on the phone now and again.  I saved every letter my mother wrote me back and she has saved all of mine.  They meant something.

Why did I park the truck here

When my mother lost the love of her life, I ramped up writing, calling, and seeing her.  Someone told me that my kids were somewhat spoiled with their mom and dad always being there for love and support, and that this is what people that age do.  But it feels terrible to me to be isolated from them, especially now.

I have to think that they know where they can find me.  I'm here.