Remember when you were little and what you wanted more than anything for Christmas. Awe…the anticipation of a life size doll, a bike, a horse. Later, maybe a phone (and private line). A car. A child. A Grandchild. And then out of the blue…comes that year when you realize that you don’t want a thing. You truly do not want one single solitary “thing”. You have a zillion robes, soft sheets, matching socks, and plenty of hand towels…Santa doesn’t bring you ponies and he doesn’t take off a few extra pounds either…I know/I asked…so what else is there? You have reached the pinnacle of Christmas…alas! You have all the memories of your childhood locked in and the trying times of a young parent hoping to get it right. The successes and failures of Christmas mornings have come and gone…and Thank you Lord…what a gift! 2021…it’s about time. I’ll start with a mimosa!
Let’s talk about the worst year ever….2020 may take the cake but I have been doing a lot of thinking about this. Don’t get me wrong….this one is WAY, WAY, up there on the crappiest year list for sure, but I have had a lot of shitty years. Let’s start with that one year my son had cancer, Gary had triple bypass heart surgery and my Mom died… But I will also never forget…that was the year Whit came into the world! Maybe one of the worst years was when my brother, Mike, died or possibly all those years Graham lived so far away and wasn’t able to be home for Christmas. It was a pretty sad year when Kelley got divorced….or that horrible year we came close. I will forever remember the year Gannie couldn’t live without Lou! Now fast forward…I have wonderful memories of my brother, Graham brought Mercy with him when he finally decided to come home and Kelley is giddy happy! Gary and I are in our favorite home of all time holding hands (LOL) and watching football in a new leather recliner! Not bad.
Tragedies have happened to us (and to those close to us) this year that will change our lives forever. And what I know for sure is…every year will bestow a good and an evil. That happens as time rolls by. One year you will sing and dance and the next you may not. As we force ourselves to look forward to what the future holds, you may find yourself holding a flower your Grandchild has randomly picked for you. Or better yet, whisper they love you in your ear out of nowhere! Wrap that up in a bow for me! As I have explained before I have never been a fan of ANY Holiday, but strangely this one may have a more meaningful impact than most. This terrible year will not be forgotten but neither will this past Thanksgiving when I asked Annie Kate what she was most thankful for and she said without hesitation or sadness,(in a child’s eye) my Uncle Stephen.
Time chooses to travel on… so 2021 I will raise my glass, and gladly take you on.
Sadly I already know I will not loose a pound, or exercise more but I will uphold my promise to sleeping late and watching murder documentaries. I plan to write more, play harder, and I will hug the hell out of everyone! I got myself some new front teeth (which I asked Santa for 60 YEARS ago!), some eyebrows, and a little botox this year…I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Fake news…you have nothin on me!
Moving On…
Love it!!!! Are you really sitting in a chair with Gary holding hands!!! Please send a picture! ❤️
You know it! Gary is the only one watching football and the only thing I’m holding is a glass of chardonnay!
Happy New Year!
Ditto! I wanna smile at that pic!
A lot of sweet pictures on that lawn!
Ok…. I will HONESTLY admit my tears started flowing after the first 3 lines😩😩😩 I will NEVER forget that baby doll in her beautiful blue satan dress, and the most beautiful crib I STILL have ever seen!!! The Christmas’s that a child was disappointed… thank God I had a neighbor (Joey Brewer) who I could go cry on her shoulder Christmas night (and have a cocktail or Two) and let it all come out! I’m right there with you, there’s not a thing I need… just trying to soak in all the sweetness with my Grands, and enjoy my Adult children as much as I can❤️ LOVE your blog, and love you 😘
The expectations as a child…and the expectations of a young Mother. I don’t want a do over but if I had one…
Another one of my faves mom! You are getting better and better. It’s time for a podcast! Who agrees??
Almost famous podcaster!
I think she was doing that on WDUN…before it was called a “podcast”
Who knew….it’s called radio! I love listening to my podcast!
Perhaps the main reason you touch the heart of so many of us is the brutal honesty with which you face, unafraid, the horribly difficult times and still manage to outnumber the bad with the good times with which we are all blessed. You have helped us put it all in perspective. It’s a gift you have. Thanks for sharing your gift with all of us! Merry Christmas! Frank
I don’t know if your comment brought tear to my eye because I past a test (my first!) from an English professor or from the kindness of a friend like you!
I can’t tell you how much I love this and I say it with tears in my eyes. Whitey and I have lost so much and have gained so much; we have more to be thankful for than ever and you put it all in perspective!
Thank you for this wonderful blog! We hold hands, too!
Xoxoxox
Carole
👌 Frank is right, it’s the brutal honesty followed by deepest love…THAT is your double punch! Your words make us cry as they warm our hearts.
Keep’em coming.
And yes can’t wait to hug EVERYONE ❤️❤️
Merry Christmas,
Karen
Thank you for these words Karen…and thank you more for being my friend…honestly!
You are so incredibly talented! I hope you realize that. Just happy that I’m on your “list” to receive these poignant, yet wonderful messages! The happiest of holidays to you and your lovely family!!
I just love your honest approach to life…the good and the bad… you are one of my favorites…Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Honesty is the best Policy…unless I don’t want Gary to know!
Love you Jane!
The only thing I love more than reading your blog is hearing your voice. Yes, We need a podcast, Tracy. I know it’s a lot of work. But you do have a gift. Or a few gifts. Not only for writing, but for speaking it too. Merry Christmas! love you!
I’ll do it if you will! Let’s brain storm!
We can call it “Loosing our Marbles”! Or a better title for you…”Let’s fly away”!
We should talk!
TRACY, WHAT A WONDERFUL GIFT YOU HAVE WITH WORDS‼️❤️ THIS WAS MY FIRST OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY YOUR TALENT ‼️❤️ WHERE DO I FIND THE OTHER COLUMNS OF COMMON SENSE—KNOWLEDGE OF LIFE WELL LIVED⁉️ WHAT A BEAUTIFUL BLESSING YOU ARE TO OTHERS LIKE ME IN THE SAME BOAT 🚣 OR KYAK😘 WITH L❤️VE‼️ SISSY
Wow Sissy…I’ll take THAT compliment from YOU!!!! Thank you!
If you go to https://www.seriouslyurkidding.com
scroll down to “read more blogs” some more will come up. Also at the bottom of that page you will see I have several “pages”. The earlier ones were pretty pitiful, and although I’m just getting my feet wet, I love writing! (free therapy)!
Merry,Merry Christmas to you and your family!
I truly enjoy your blogs. This one made me weep. You are a great writer and hit straight to the core and heart. Have a a great Christmas 🌲❤️
Susan thank you!!! Some years kick butt…but the glass has to stay half full (of chardonnay)!!
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Tracie, wonderfully written. I can so relate to your words. Have a very happy Christmas and a New Year that’s memorable with many blessings and fun times!
Thank you Nancy…You seem to have this happiness DOWN! We are all so proud of you and your life adventures! Chin up in 2021!!! Cheers!
Tracy!
I so enjoy your heartfelt “real life” blogs. None of us are immune to the bad times which makes the good times better!! Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday!! More writing for 2021?? We are ready to read❤️❤️
For some reason the bad stands out in the crowd of memories…but I’m ok with that because those bad ones give us something to laugh about later!
Hopefully we will laugh our way through the next year!
Merry Christmas Renee
Thanks Tracy for again helping us keep things in perspective. I too am very grateful that I’m on the list to receive these blogs. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Thank you John Most! I love writing, and hope to get more out in 2021…some funny shit better happen so I’ll have something GOOD to write about!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thanks so much for the perspective sweet friend!!!
I love this and you!
Hope you and yours have a terrific Christmas…miss seeing you!
Thanks…I miss you too! Perspective is everything. Glad I have lived long enough to have some.
Only Merry and Bright…right?
Love you!
Absolutely perfect !!! Remarkable Tracy Jane. You’re great !
That is nice of you to say Sandy…but it gives me an idea about writing a blog about how many times I cheated in high school. Probably off your paper!
Love and miss you Sandy!
Oh and btw…Merry Christmas!
Tracy, you are one special and talented person! I am glad I can call you a friend!
Thank you Susan. You are not only a wonderful teacher/friend… but even better…a wonderful life coach! Your words of wisdom have meant the world to me! I need smart people in my life!
How true these words are spoken. Life is a roller coaster and I sure can relate to all the ups and downs. All the secrets shared over making fudge. Miss you my sweet friend! May always continue to Bless you and your sweet family, Merry Christmas and may 2021 bring us all
Peace. Love , Happiness, Joy and gratitude for all the curves life throws us because that is what makes us who we are.
The days of short leopard skirts and making fudge at 7:00 am only to find out that you had already ran 5 miles….maybe 10. I never could keep up with your energy, but I sure did have a good time!!!!! I miss your laugh, and especially when you whisper your inner most thoughts out loud and make me laugh! Life has turned out alright! Miss you!
Oh my goodness Tracy this is my favorite this far❤️ So true 🙏
But the important question is…am I your favorite? I always love being with you and sister Suze! Happy New Year to one of my favorite friends!