Sumko Family

Christmas time each year brings out emotions doesn't it? The good, the great, the emotional, the crazy, the lonely and sometimes a combination of all the above emotions. This is my families 9th year being away from home for the holidays. Actually not totally true. We have been home to visit family for probably 4 of those years. But for a home body like me......being 3,000 miles from home for nine years is kind of an amazing accomplishment in a way. It may sound pathetic that living across the country from my family and home as been a trial for me. Don't get me wrong, I have many more and greater trials.....but living far from the home that you love and away from"what you grew up with"......can be nothing short of difficult.

We are at the point where although people are genuine and we really believe still miss us.....they are use to us not being there. We are the ones that just aren't there year after year. This will hopefully change, but nonetheless has been a reality for a LONG time.

Last night Mike and I attended his annual orthopedic surgeon attendee Christmas party. One of the Dr.'s there has four children of his own and was telling us all about his kids life. His children are all raised, and his wife was a stay at home Mom and worked hard at raising four very successful, great children. They are a couple that Mike and I can both really look up to. He was venting to a group of us last night about how none of his kids lived near them anymore. He was complaining how he and his wife had really tried hard to raise kids who were well educated, experienced, and well rounded. In the end..... four of their children were out of the house being successful....but hundreds and even thousands of miles away from each other. This Dr. and his wife were commenting how they felt all alone.

Another Dr. at the table mentioned how he hadn't been home for years to visit his family during Christmas. It had been close to twenty years since he had gone home. He mentioned he was "almost" past the point of missing his family.

Their are many different types of family scenarios. Last night I was mindful, that there are millions, and billions of people away from home and family feeling the exact same way that I feel every year that I am away from family during the holidays.

It is ok to feel homesick and a bit lonely this time of year. So often we try and say it is great, good and wonderful. We are strong for our children, and pretend all is well. However I would be cheating myself not to admit I am HOMESICK. Living away from home and family can be hard, lonely, frustrating, and annoying....all in one. I am who I am because of where and who I came from. When I don't get to go home to remember that, I feel a bit out of place and sorts at times.

Enough said...I just had to vent.

Reality is good! Another reality while we are venting is the reality that although instagram, and facebook can be my best friends.....they can in fact at times be my worst enemies. I have a love hate with them like the masses. I love that I can go online and feel connected to old friends, and people I admire and miss. I hate because I am reminded of all the trips I am not taking....all the friends I am not seeing, all the parties I am not attending, and all the crafts I am NOT doing.

With that being said.......

I have some new and old "favorites" these days of my own. They all in some way remind me of who I am, where I come from, and what I love. Kind of random.....