Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Here Comes the Sun

When I've answered, "Where were you guys?" with "Mississippi." every person has said something like, "Oh, fun!" or "Did you have fun?" or "I wish I could get away for a weekend." as if he/she is jealous of my excursion. Let me clear this up right now. Since I moved from the glorious mirage-like hamlet that is Oxford, MS, I have not had fun in that state. My family is full of loony bigots who think that I am a total crazy for not loving Mississippi and the legacy that it carries and for not wanting to continue that legacy and "What do you mean you don't want your children around me?" My dad fancies himself a progressive. That's a story for another day. So the short answer is NO!, I didn't have fun.

My grandfather is dying. He's in the last stages of Alzheimer's. He didn't know me. I'm glad I went and saw him, but it was horrible.

I didn't get to see Sissy. My folks wouldn't let her come with us to the zoo and she decided to not come with our dad when I met with him. I don't know what's going on.

My dad has promised a new passion for our relationship. I'm a big sucker and said OK. Again. He breaks my heart. I really do think he loves me. But he's boy, a stupid boy. I keep giving him a pass for that handicap but then end up expecting more of him than any boy has ever been capable of. And then I am crushed. Again. So we'll see.

BUT . . .It was made bearable by the 5 faces that went with me. Our kids LOVE a road trip. They each pack their car bags with treasured toys and books and whatever little activity pack I let them con me into buying. (This time it was those reusable stickers and landscape boards. Never again.) We get a new audiobook for each trip and the kids revel in it. This time I proudly announced the title as, "The Tale of Despereaux." Shrieks of excitement.

And Dawn, perfect Dawn. She spent the entire trip taking up my slack with the children. She did it without a sigh or complaint. She missed no opportunity to tell me that I am big and strong and that I am doing a great job and not to worry we were going home soon and that she was going with me and would be with me forever and ever and that I have a new family now that loves me and Becca, look at those kids - look how happy they are - we live for them now, not these crazies.

All of this to say - Mississippi sucks, but after being there I am always refreshingly reminded of how much I love my Dawn and our children and my house and Florida and my dog and all of her cohorts. I choose life. And I'm really happy.

10 comments:

  1. but you already knew all of that...yet it is refreshing to feel it all over again.

    soon kiddo, and we can't wait!

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  2. Awwww.. man. So good to read and you really made me smile. I'm sorry things weren't the greatest in MS, but I'm thankful for your attitude. Truly. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. Kudos to you two for seeing the good in it all.
    I adore your positive energy.

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  4. Ah yes ... the lack of joy when returning home. I face this same issue each time my mum asks me to visit for xmas. I can talk via phone, but face to face, I like to keep to a minimum!

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  5. wow, such power in this post. thanks... shane

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  6. Sounds like you've got what we all want- that family of love you've created with someone who loves you.
    Yeah. You're rich.

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  7. Well, I have to concur with your sentiment about ole Miss. Except for going to the casinos/beach, there just wasn't much attraction for me either.
    It's so wonderful that you have a beautiful family and Partner.

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  8. I am so glad you have your loving family to get you through the rough spots. And even if it sucked the reminder of gratefulness is always good for you

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  9. I want my own Dawn! Except in male-form. That part made me get all weepy and girly inside...you are lucky to be so loved :)

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  10. I have had such similar experiences with my family. I'm so glad you have such a great support system and partner in Dawn. You two are so sweet.

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