Every morning, Polimom gets up before the rest of the household. It’s a time and space I’ve carved out for myself to reflect, get organized for the day, catch up on current events, drink coffee. It’s a habit I picked up during my years of single parenting, and has become part and parcel of my life; I treasure these quiet hours.
Soon — very soon — AC will open her eyes and realize that today is Thanksgiving. She’ll leap out of bed, tumble down the stairs, and rush out here to the patio with hugs and kisses. The dog will follow her, but will sidetrack to leap onto DH (who’s invariably hoping to catch just 10 more zzzzz’s……). He’ll grumble, stumble up, and join the rush to find Polimom; the cats will seek their safe perches from the canine.
This day will start, in many ways, as they all do — yet already the energy around me is different. This is the uniquely American holiday set aside to focus on one another, and all that we have together.
I’m grateful for all the love that’s about to come pounding down the stairs.
It comes every morning, but it’s rarely as selfless and uplifting as this day will bring; I’m finding it hard to wait for them.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.