Those of you that live far away from family probably know what it is like to be homesick at odd times--times that are special for you and your family. I mean it is normal to miss family on big holidays: Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, birthdays... Well, I always miss my family on Labor Day. You see my family gets together for a BBQ or a backyard picnic every year. My mom brings out her famous potato salad, 24 hour salad and other favorites and the family just hangs out. I miss that. I wondered this year what I was going to do on Labor Day to forget what I was missing (funny how the family doesn't stop hanging out without me there ;) ).
I had friends that invited me to hang out on their boat with them for the day. If I was a boat person I could tell you what kind of boat they have, but I am so not interested in that kind of stuff. All I can tell you is that it was so much fun! We hung out on the boat, swam in the water near the boat and kayaked. Then when it was time for dinner we took the boat up the coast to Long Beach for dinner. I walked up to the front of the boat and stood with the wind in my hair while we were going. What a free feeling! I had the "perfect" California day.
Can I just say how thankful I am for my friends out here? I am thankful for the families that have taken me in and embraced me as their own. It is kind of like I have a California extended family. It means the world to me to have people who care about me like that. Please don't underestimate the magnitude of acts of kindness like that.
2 comments:
Jen ~ that is awesome! Wes and I have lived in 4 states in 11 years, so I know exactly what you are talking about! Friends who take you in for family holiday dinners, go the extra effort to make you feel included...that is the best! I am glad you have that in California!
There is nothing like standing on the bow of a boat and feeling the wind on your face. :)
I'm sooo happy that you had a special day that you will always remember that was so different than the family traditon you were missing, yet still very joyful.
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