The fall is always one of my favorite times of year. The autumn air and beautiful scenery make for a perfect season change, especially in the south. That is where I currently reside. I am kind of a nomad these days. I haven't set my sights on one particular place, but when I do, I am sure I will be able to call it home.
Home was different 6 months ago. My boyfriend of 10 years passed away of alcoholism in June. During those ten years, 8 of them we shared living together. We built a comfortable place that was loving, safe and overall fun. That place is no longer, but I am blessed to have another place that is always welcoming; my parents. Not what I expect 33 to be, however, it allows me to process my new life change.
I spent the first days of autumn in sunny California. The warm weather and love of extended family kept my mood elevated for the dreaded holiday months ahead. How can someone be sad sitting at Paradise Cove in Malibu chopping down on amazing carbalious french fries? I certainly can't. I would bring home a sunny disposition and an urge to relocate to the west coast as always.
A few weeks later the first Holiday of fall would appear. Halloween was always a favorite of ours. We would decorate our entire home and throw costume parties. This Halloween was definitely different. No decorations, no costume parties, no Michael. I had surgery a week before and would be bed bound on pain medication. Overall, Halloween was a bust.
My mood would sink a little as the days would become colder and the nights darker. On the horizon would be an unexpected surprise. The gluttony know as Thanksgiving would appease my palate. Not only was the food your standard Thanksgiving feast, but the family atmosphere made it all worth while. I invited two of my close friends to share this delicious holiday with me and my family. They fit in perfectly and had a wonderful day.
My cousin went to a small private high school. A few exchange students are attending the school and my aunt and uncle are in away like host parents. Three of the students (2 Serbia and 1 Lithuania) came over to experience their first Thanksgiving in America. Everyone had a BALL talking to them and getting to know their likes and dislikes of "the states." Who knew that they liked rap music and Kim Kardashian? Okay, so every 17 year old likes that stuff, but it was still intriguing getting to know about their culture and showing them ours. They are even coming back for Christmas.
This was suppose to be a Thanksgiving filled with tears and cranberry sauce. However, it was more like smiles and pies. I did think about Michael and wished him a Happy Thanksgiving in Heaven. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him. With the love and support from my friends and family, the holiday season isn't as gloomy as I imagined.
Surround yourself with positive people and lean on them when in need. It really does make a difference.
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