A Thought for the Road
Before the family left for the coast, Larissa and I spoke about our expectations, hopes, and desires, what mattered and what didn’t. We agreed on many points and felt differently about others. The surprising thing was, we didn’t disagree about anything. I am thankful that neither she or I wish to remain neatly wrapped in our delusions of what family in a traditional sense — neither of our families falling into that category — means and although we never had this traditional family we both sought it.
We headed toward the port to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve afternoon; we had to, a storm was approaching. As I drove East, I thought about Christmas past. Christmas was magical for me as a kid, I loved decorating and lighting the tree. I never thought much about Santa and all I remember getting are clothes and being disappointed with the toys Santa dropped off, having come down our non-existent fireplace chimney.
It is peculiar how either positive — as in enjoyable and negative — as in hurtful memories, remain with us for over half a century. My emotional response to past events helps glue them into my memory. We arrive at the in-laws and I have decided to have a good time, regardless of family dynamics.
