Among Friends

[Bird mama]

Good for you Maryanne   Just my 2 cents.  Taking care of you and Edward and the animals IS keeping the family together.

It's all how you look at it

[Sooner]

@I am stillkeeper of the   Your post strikes a chord with me!  It is our time now.  We have done and run, traveled and hauled holiday meals with us, visited, buried, and upheld so many over the years.

Quiet time to reflect and enjoy and be together sometimes with close friends, sometimes just us is all we ask for! 

[Puppy Lips]

Way to go MaryAnne!  I am not a fan of the holidays.  Too much work.  Plus, I would rather just be with my immediate family.  But every year we have to see and spend time with people that I would rather not be around.  That spoils it for me.  I guess I am selfish that way.  If everyone did what they wanted to do, instead of what they are expected to do at the holidays, I think we would all be happier.

[Suzeecat]

Bravo, well said!  Your heart is in the right place and I applaud you standing up for YOURSELF!

[meallen616]

My dear friend MaryAnne and Edward,

Enjoy each other and the animals!

[chrystaltree]

There does come a time when you know it's time to step aside; it's hard work and exhausting.  It's your time now.   It's time for the next generation to take over; if indeed, the family still wants those big family celebrations.     

[jubilant]

I'm definitely with you on this, Maryanne.  We had our Thanksgiving here at our home last Sat.  This is the first big "get together" I have hosted since my heart attacks and open heart surgery about this time last Fall.  My daughter offered to have it but I honestly thought I was up to it. Everyone brought food and helped. After the meal I sat down amongst all my company and fell asleep in a recliner....something I have Never done before and a bit embarrassing!  I guess that should tell me something!   LOL!   I am soon to be 69 and I guess I don't see that as old.  I guess I need to come to the conclusion, it's not exactly young either!   

[Mom2Dogs]

I get it... change can be hard.  Things really changed for DH and me after my parents died, a couple of my sisters reared their ugly heads and family gatherings are no more for me....I do miss it but my sisters are bully's and we decided years ago to distance ourselves from them...it's hard, but no more drama, harsh words, hurt feelings...

Thanksgiving was always the holiday we would load the car with food, excitement (to see the little ones) and travel to see the one sister, (6 hours away) and her family, so now dh and I just take a short trip out of town, usually 3-8 hours away.  We eat at Bob Evans or what ever we can find that is open, we are not particular....head to our destination hotel and enjoy a few days away, eating out and shopping.  The big change came with tears on my part, it's hard not having family around.....but it is what it is.......