Best Christmas I ever had was 2020. I had Christmas with both my parents for the first time in my entire life.
After the timeline of COVID and the measures we were finally able to enjoy having gatherings. Ours was small. Myself, partner, beautiful 3 daughters and my mother. My mom was having a hard time with her spouse that day, they weren’t living together, but serious over years. He was with his immediate family - my mom wasn’t invited. Kicker was she was upset that they didn’t get to have Xmas together, but she wasn’t invited to his family day and he hadn’t messaged her yet that day.
My dad and mom separated when I was a baby. He didn’t come into my life until I was 22. My mom and him had some history as you can imagine and over 12 years of dinners and functions and avoiding most conversations over that time my mom wasn’t much of a fan, but cordial nonetheless.
Of all the days my dad shows up and had the most heartwarming card and thoughtful gift for her. On the day she truly needed that moment of kindness she got it from a person and place she least expected, and the depth of emotion I got to witness as a child (YES at 35) my mom got a sweet and genuine love from my dad; love I had never been able to witness between them. My mom needed that message and validation that day. How sweet life can be sometimes. 😭😊🙏
I lost my dad last year in November and this memory is truly one of the most special to me of my life. I’m grateful I had it and thankful this forum reminded me of it.
