Salvaging Christmas

So I woke up early this morning, made my coffee, and my cell phone was ringing before I even had a chance to sit down. The midgets were calling to wish me a Merry Christmas and to tell me all the things they had gotten. My baby was so excited about all her Justin Beiber schwag, I just smiled and let her rave. I had told my son about these Polo boots all the guys are wearing here, and as luck would have it, his uncle had gotten him a pair. It sounded like they made out pretty well, so I was happy too - for the moment - but when I hung up the phone, I started to fear that the day would go downhill fast. I sat for a while, with my coffee, weighing my options, and in the end, there was only one thing I could think to do: spend Christmas with the only other person on the planet that would be even lonelier than me - their father.

Christmas is more than four hours long, but the time I sat and laughed with him carried me through the rest of the night. He had stories for days - as usual - and I am pleased that his sense of humor has not been affected by the bid he's doing. He was hopeful about some new developments in his situation, and seems to have been laying some groundwork for life after the iron bars. He even helped me think through a gameplan for some things I have to do over the next few months. No one would choose to be where he is, but Im glad he is using the time in a productive manner. He did give me the business about the fact that I havent really bought myself anything or been engaging in very many extracurricular activities, having had the freedom to do so, but i think my response as to why that has been made sense to him. The fact that said freedom is going to be coming to an end relatively soon is of no regard to me. I have priorities. He knew what I meant, and although its never been required from him or anybody else, approval graced his face.

I wasnt sad when I left - I hope he wasnt either - and since I've been home, I've been okay. I've been texting with a few folks, speaking on the phone to others, and my mind is set squarely on the next notable day of my life, a week away. I dont think I will really get to celebrate it in true Dig fashion until I return from my trip upstate, but while there, I'll have the opportunity to share it with the two little people that mean the most to me, and the handful of friends that choose to join us.

So I made it through Christmas, ladies and gentlemen. A heartfelt thanks to all who reached out in support, 911 on speed dial, should it be needed LOL - I appreciate you. The best gift, for me, is always the recognition of how great the people in your life really are, and its great that I was reminded cause its the only gift I got! LOL

Merry Christmas, yall.