'Twas Thanksgiving Eve, and all through the town...

It is almost my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. You know the one where you see family, eat amazing family recipes, and get hugs?
I spent last year with my ex's family, and then we saw mine, so that was fine.
This year, I will be alone here in New Orleans, and working. Because my family is far away, because I work in retail, because Dreaded Ex and I aren't together, so his family isn't mine to share.
Now, this ain't no pity party, so don't go there. I am introspective, self-aware, weirdly calm.
It is a learning experience.
One I don't plan to repeat.
I am so blue not to see all my cousins and my cousins' children, to miss out on the leaves turning and falling in North Georgia, to not help my mom defrost frozen broccoli for her famous and adored broccoli casserole.
To not say a prayer of thanks while holding the same hands I have held since I was just a little girl, in a circle of grace with my kinfolk.
There won't be late evening card games and stolen pumpkin pie for me, just another lonely night in New Orleans with my wonderful companion Roux the dog.
I am certain that this holiday season won't go easy, that I will shed a tear or ten.
It is different being far from loved ones when you have a significant other. I spent the last two holiday seasons with him, another reason this will be tough.
This was a hard year, no lie. Many things have happened to rattle, jar, and wound me.
I almost can't wait for the clock to change to 2010.
But for now, I will work, and wait to see the ones I love again. I can't make time move faster.
I will help my customers as they rush in and out on their way to better places, and I will make my plans for the time when I am home again, for good.
And I will have this to hold on to: It will never be this bad again.