Your Presence is My Present…

I always use that line when friends and family ask what I would like for my birthday or Christmas. I really don’t want to answer that I want all my bills paid so I go with the next best thing of “Your Presence is My Present”. I don’t need anything aside from love, health and happiness, but it’s the first day of December and so the countdown begins. The countdown to open presents? The countdown to visit family or is it the countdown to days off at work? Actually, it’s the countdown to when the kids leave us for the holidays…and that’s not a good thing. Sure the babies will come back to the nest and sure they will experience new adventures and make new memories while they are away but try explaining that to your heart.

A child of divorced parents now means two separate households but I believe two separate households is a good thing when the one was just not good for the soul. I myself was not a product of divorced parents so I did not know what it was like to get my things ready and pack a bag. Packing your bags is usually associated with the fun event of going on a great trip. Not the case with our children since packing the bags is associated with going on a four day business trip to the same seminar. So our home is accustomed to the every other weekend routine and some of our friends have even said “that’s great…that gives you guys a break”. Yes, but no. That’s not a forced break we wish upon, especially when the kids make it known to you that they want to stay home with you. So now we enter the holidays, the long school break and unfortunately on even numbered years, the long time away break. They will separate for 12 days from us and so the 12 days of Christmas is not just about a song. No, partridge in a pear tree for us.

Here is what is looks like from my stance; chaotic house and not from gift wrapping, constant washing of clothes to pack, ordering medical supplies, preparing the medical supplies, ordering the medication, preparing the medication, getting in those multiple doctor visits, trips to the store, studying for finals, extracurricular activities, schedule and reschedule of multiple therapy sessions and…HO HO HO…

So I share my job with you in the Maldina household during this time. Please note that my job is simple but I dare you to define simple. I have to make sure there is enough oxygen in the tank of Mama’s breathing mask which is no easy task itself. I have to make sure she takes it easy and emotionally, that sometimes is not possible. I have to have the arms ready to embrace, hold the tissue box, keep the T.V. on Law and Order and keep the horrible jokes coming. I’m sure Superman cried too…So on this first day I December, I pray for strength and I pray for understanding.

To my babies, always remember…your presence is my present.

Papi Maldina