This time of the year, Thanksgiving-Christmas is always tough for me. Holidays are just not the same without my mom but each year it does get easier. I usually look forward to this time breezing by but I have managed to take it in and get into the spirit.
The season started with my trip back to the states. That was truly a gift to myself. I had not been home in a long while and I enjoyed my time immensely. I landed in Chicago, spent a few days there with my friends, LaMonica and the INROADS crew, Monica, Ian and the twins, Kim and my old friend, Yarb's aunt, Liz. They showed me a good time and I loved being in Chicago.
Next stop, Cleveland. My sorors and friends showed me much love. The Delta's scholarship dance was my opportunity to surprise and see Greater Cleveland Alumnae chapter. What a treat that was. It was so good to be in their midst. Days later, some of the sorors got together and we went out to dinner, just to catch up and enjoy each other's company. Some of my sorors from Akron, Virginique, Ramona and Denise dropped in to see me with two bundles of joy.
My dad was able to come in town from Cincinnati and spend Thanksgiving with me. We went to my good friend Cassandra's and enjoyed the day with her family. The food was plentiful and good. It was nice having him around, although I fuss at him, I do it out of love and concern. I let him know that. I was also able to spend a morning visiting my INROADS "mom", Jacque. It was good to catch up with her and have lunch at Melange. That was a treat.
The icing on the cake was my game night at the house. I was able to spend time with my closest friends and boy did we have a great time. My last guest left about 2:30 a.m. I must mention, we played taboo, guys against the girls and we kicked butt!
The day before I left, my friend Kathryn treated me to the bball game, Cavs vs. Celtics. Although I was hoping for a Cavs win, the Celtics did them in. Wasn't so bad given I like the players on the Celtic team. KG is one of my favorite players. It was good to be back in the Q, watching basketball is something I miss living in Japan. That was a fun night.
The things I missed, I was able to take in. My church home, NCBF, Garrett's popcorn, Cheesecake factory, Beachwood Mall, TJ Maxx and Marshalls and my house. My trip home was bittersweet. Sweet because I was able to return to what I missed most and bitter because I had to leave it all behind. Being away for a year and a half, living in Japan has taught me that there is no place like home, no place like family and friends, no place like the U.S.
