It's the most wonderful time of the year! Sorry for all you "Grinch" characters out there, but the holidays are upon us. Although, when it's 90+ degrees and a heavy helping of humidity sometimes the christmas spirit gets a bit lost.
Being so far from home on the holidays has been and will continue to be tough. You don't always understand how difficult changes can be until you're in full swing. I am however very thankful that i've met such loving and wonderful people here in Australia, to make me feel just a little closer to home. However, it isn't quite the same. I've always been a bit of a free bird but when it comes to family, I wouldn't want to be anywhere in the world without them. As sisters go, sure we have our fights from time to time, but there is NO one i'll fight for more then my sisters and family as a whole. My beautiful mother is and always has been my rock, even when things get rough we always have each other.
The holidays for me have ALWAYS been about making memories with family and friends. No amount of presents (unless from santa), delicious food or a few glasses of wine can replace the feeling of just simply being surrounded by family. As the men go out hunting and watching football (you know i'm right there on the couch too), women are cooking, having a glass of wine or cup of eggnog and gossiping, while the cousins all run around playing. It can be a manic household but I wouldn't have it any other way. I will be spending christmas and new years in Sydney with my boyfriend and his beautiful family this year. I am truly excited and still blessed to be in Australia, I am thankful to be welcomed into another families home for the holidays.
Along with the holidays for me comes a special dose of kindness towards others. I often think of how good my life is, all of the people in it and every little thing I own. I believe kindness should be shared all throughout the year, but especially on the holidays. You never know that a simple smile or conversation could change someones day. And for me, just this past weekend I have been touched.
While finishing up my christmas shopping, my friend Mckenzie (another nanny who's from Oklahoma, she is currently living in Cairns too) were having a look around this little book store. As we were checking out an elderly women named Marie started a conversation with the both of us. Right away she picked up that we were from the states (clearly I have not picked up on the aussie accent yet, bummer). She asked us specifically where we were from, what we were doing here, how the family's were and so on and so forth. She truly had a genuine interest in getting to know us. Marie explained she has been to America 3 times and will be going back again next fall for 3 months. She spoke of how excited she was and told us where was going to the heart of America- through the midwest. We continued to get to know one another for the next few minutes. As we were saying our goodbyes she said, "you must miss your families so very much, especially being so far from home around the holidays, let me give you a hug and just know you are loved by many". And of course she gave us the warmest hug and a big squeeze. We told her how sweet and kind her words were, to the point it brought tears to our eyes. But, both Mckenzie and I were taken back by her kindness.
So we left the book store and all throughout the day kept reminiscing on how much her simple gesture affected us, in a positive way of course. We plan to buy Marie a small gift and write her a card simply to let her know, her kindness did not go unnoticed and how grateful we are to have run into such a caring, special women. I truly wish this world had more people like Marie, we would be in such a better place.
I simply had to share, if anything at all, maybe remember to be kind to all. You never know how heavy someone's heart is or what they are going through. Be a positive change in this world.
Merry Christmas to all of my family and friends. Whether you're here with me in Australia, waiting for me at home, or forever in my heart. I am thinking of you and love you all. See you all in just 3 short months. xoxoxoxo
McKenzie And I
My beautiful christmas present from Gabby (bracelet says not all who wander are lost)
Jeff, Jordan, Jim and I :)
