I'll be home for Christmas...if only in my dreams....

This is my first Christmas away from home. For 32 Christmases I've opened presents, waited for Santa and celebrated with my parents. It's going to be tough on all of us. We've been through a lot this year. My grandmother passed away, I moved 3500 miles away from home and we've only been home once to visit. I have a feeling it's going to be a tearful Christmas.

My dad is the toughest man I know. I'd imagine he probably only has two weaknesses...my mom and myself. He's dependable and stubborn and fiercely independent. And I'm just like him.

My mom is the kindest woman you will ever meet. She's gentle and emotional, but has a fire of strength within her that is unimaginable. Sometimes I think I inherited her strength, other times, I'm not so sure. I definitely got her emotion.

I am a dreamer. And a thinker. And a planner. I don't ask for help, even if I need it. I make mistakes, and sometimes I muddle my way through things that could have been avoided all together if I'd just listen. I cry. I yell and scream, and hurt and break down. But I'm a survivor.

Although we may not always see eye to eye, I know my parents love me unconditionally and I will always have a safe place to fall....and I love them. More than they can imagine.

So even though I may not be home for Christmas this year in body. I'll be there in spirit...and in my dreams.