As Thanksgiving weekend 2019 came to a close and I looked to embrace this holiday season, I’m reflecting on all that for which I am grateful…
- Being the mom of a college student (which I would add is exceedingly better than being the mom of a high school student). I appreciate our independence, but also that she still needs me and wants me to be part of her life. I like the way our relationship has evolved in the last couple years that I can now truly count her among my best friends. And of course I was truly grateful to have her home with us for the long weekend and spending even more time together over the winter break.
- Having Chicago connections. I had dinner with a friend from New York last week who was in visiting family in the suburbs. We discussed how I was getting along since the move. He told me it took him a while to make friends when he made the move from Chicago to New York about 25 years ago. I am grateful for the groups that welcomed me like the Lakeview Rotary, The Transition Network, Professional Women’s Club of Chicago, and of course a number of running groups, all of which have helped me develop a sense of belonging here.
- A place to go and something to do. My first fall here was difficult. WIth my daughter living on campus, I was living alone. Kurt was an hour away in the northern suburbs and mostly we only saw one another on weekends. Working from home added to my loneliness, especially once the weather started getting cold and I wasn’t getting outside as much. I am grateful for my job at Fleet Feet (they’re hiring!) where I’ve now been employed part-time for close to eleven months. Yes, it provides added income, but more than that, it got me out of the apartment and doing something productive with other people.
- Holiday Party invitations! No further explanation needed (see #2 & 3)
- Running. It’s still keeping me sane (for the most part lol) and like my experiences in New Jersey, finding that sense of belonging here in my new city had a lot to do with making connections and friends in the running community. I also got a great self-esteem boost Thanksgiving weekend when I placed in my age-group (first time in Illinois) in not just one, but two, Turkey Trots (a 5k and a half marathon).
- New Jersey friends that keep in touch. I love life in Chicago, but I will never stop missing some of the very special people I left on the East Coast. I am grateful for those that keep in touch beyond social media. In 2020, a year I’m planning absent of FaceBook (more on that to come), I’m going to make sure I text more and call more, and remember to send personal birthday greetings and put more effort into cultivating those special friendships that shouldn’t be sacrificed by distance.
- My family. Although far away, for “being there” still. I got a lovely Thanksgiving greeting from my sister in Ireland to start the day on Thursday that meant all the world to me. Knowing that I can reach out – or jump on a plane – and be welcomed has made life without my (adoptive) parents much less sad.
- And of course, Kurt. For so many reasons, not the least of which is the security of a roof over my head and the joy of spending more time together and planning our future. It can also be very demotivating to run alone all the time. 🙂
