The house where I grew up with my grandparents
Holidays are generally hard for me. I know they must be for some of you as well.
I miss my home with my grandparents. How we would gather around the table with all kinds of different foods; some were only available to us during those special days. I miss seeing my aunts and uncles visiting from their colleges to join us, some with their girlfriends/boyfriends and some still single. I miss interacting with our neighbors by exchanging foods. How they would all join us on the dancing floor. I miss how we were all more trusting and kind to each other in the community. Even growing up in the Dominican Republic, society just seemed less dangerous. I miss how we would celebrate together as a family – everyone from the community. I really enjoyed those days and wish they were back.
I am sure most of us had at least one special memory we cherish and that we wish we could get back. Thanksgiving makes me think about those great memories and makes me feel grateful I had them. But this holiday also makes me reflect.
I realize I am an adult now. Everything in life evolves. There was a time I was taken care of. I now, as an adult, have the opportunity to build my own home and care for others. I am with my partner and my kitty Nelly. They are both what I call my home and I am grateful to have them both in my life.
I am also grateful for those people who aren’t related to me and still offer me their unconditional love and support. These people include all of you, readers. I’ve also found a home through my blog and you’ve all helped me create it so thank you.
For those of you struggling with the holidays, who might be alone, I wish you can find a sense of peace and community in any way you can. People nearby, or even people online, can provide support in new and different ways. Welcome them into your lives. Family can be found everywhere.
Please know I am thinking of all of you and wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving and a place you can call your home.
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Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Home
The small c 
Thank you. I regularly read your blog and enjoy your writing. It is true that we can build a community thru blogging. We get to know others and I learn about other people’s lives. Please know you’ll be in my thoughts during these holidays.
Rita, I am grateful for our community. Thank you for being part of it and for your support. xx
Happy Thanksgiving, Rebecca!
I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday with your family! xx
I am so glad you have found another ‘home’ via your blog. I love our breast cancer blogosphere community. Like you, I am grateful for all my dear readers and the support they offer. I am grateful for your blog and your support too. Thank you. Hope you have a lovely holiday season filled with wonderful memories while you make new ones too. xx
Nancy, thank you. I hope your time with your love ones was enjoyable. xx
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Rebecca, I get it. I also don’t live near my family. They’re all in NYC and Philly and I’m in California, but I spent the holidays on the east coast and it was wonderful seeing everyone I love.
Eileen, I am so happy you spent the holiday with your love ones. That’s a blessing. I’ll make sure to plan next year’s holidays with my family in the DR. xx
Rebecca, I miss Thanksgivings of the past, where I could be with family. Now I have a new family: my daughter and friends who really buoy me up. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I do get blue around the holidays though, partly because society tells us to be happy, and it’s hard to be happy with short days. Your home life in the Dominican Republic sounds wonderful, but you did find a new “home,” too.
Society is uncomfortable with facing the truth. I say we continue to be true to ourselves by allowing all the emotions to happen. Holidays are tough for many of us, especially if we’ve been through cancer, because we become more vulnerable. I am glad you have a new home too.