I'll be home for Christmas, you can count on me. Please have snow and mistletoe and presents on the tree....
Some of you may remember that last year, right about this time, we came very close to losing our daughter, Shilo. After she healed up, she decided it was time to make a change in her life, so she packed her bags and moved to Texas. She choose Texas because our oldest son, Sam, is stationed down there so she would not be completely on her own. Her plans were to try and become a flight attendant. Not long after she got to Texas, she was diagnosed with Lupus, so the flight attendant goals have had to be set aside. Shilo is still in Texas, has a wonderful new boyfriend (at least that's what she tells us. We haven't met him yet, but his Mom is really nice!), is working at a restaraunt and finally facing her illness instead of having it on ignore. She does get very homesick from time to time, so decided to make a trip home for her birthday, which was at the beginning of December. She's really not going to be home for Christmas, which the song lyrics suggest.
It was really fun to have her home for a few days. We went to the beach, she frolicked with Gus, visited family and friends and had a small birthday party at home.
Happy Birthday to you!
We miss her and worry about her not taking care of herself like she needs to, but I finally had to tell her Daddy to stop reminding her that she can move home. Yes, she knows that daddy, but she's a big girl now.
"You all can go to hell - I'm going to Texas."
~ Daniel Boone
11 comments:
Belated birthday wishes to Shilo - so good to see her at home with you for a bit. Maybe just being with the ones who care so deeply will be the 'charge' she needs to remember how special she is and will give her reason to take care of herself.
~Adrienne~
Thirty five years ago, I packed up and moved to Texas (what is it about Texas?). I was twenty. I knew absolutely no one, but knew I had to go out and be on my own. It sounds as if you have given her strong roots. Now she is trying her wings. She is a beautiful girl!
It's so great to see the pictures of Shilo on her trip home. I know how it feels to be young & have to get away from home but miss your family so much in the process.
Yae for homecomings! I'm glad she is doing so much better. She seems to be a strong young woman - she'll figure out how to take care of herself.
I do remember that scary time last year....At some point, these children of ours will learn for themselves that they do need to take care. It's hard though, isn't it? I hope your week is wonderful and you aren't worrying too much.
I know you enjoyed her visit. Thanks so much for the book,card and ornament. I am mailing your books tommorrow. I was so sad about the fire in Astoria. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
Thank you for the kind comments, we do love Shilo and will continue to do what we can to encourage her to take care of herself. As a mother I will also encourage her to go home if that is where she needs to be. Mine all live within 3 hours of here so cannot imagine what it is like to have them scattered around the US. May you and yours have a Very Merry and Blessed Christmas.
I remember, all too well, reading about those days when you almost lost Shiloh and how good it is to hear she is on a much better track a year later. Sorry to hear about the Lupus though and hope she is learning more about managing it. Have a wonderful Christmas Paula - to you and all your family as well!
I read your post from last year- wow!!! How completely scary!
Well it is a new year, new beginnings.
I know this must be hard for All of you.
Nothing worse than wanting to help someone who is too far away.
But I'm sure that just knowing that she can call on you at anytime and you'll be there is enough to give her strength.
What a story! So scary! I am so glad it all worked out ok for Shilo. It sounds like a brilliant hospital in Portland.
Happy new year to you and your family!
Post a Comment