For those of us in the United States, this coming Thursday is Thanksgiving Day. In my world it's the kick off of the holiday season culminating on Christmas and then New Years. I'm grateful that I have a job that doesn't require me to work weekends or holidays. My first year as a nurse working in a hospital I had to work Christmas Day. I remember I wanted to cry driving in, it was terrible. The next year, Tommy and I were newly married and my nurse manager had me work Christmas Eve overnight into Christmas Day, then work the 26th overnight. I don't know why she gave me such a horrible schedule I thought we got along, my mistake. Still we made the best of it. I left that job hospital job 2 years later and never looked back.

I'd had been home off and on before I began working full time again about 7 years ago. All the jobs I had I didn't work weekends or holidays. That is now a requirement for me when I peruse job postings. Yes I know, sickness doesn't take a holiday, blah, blah… I don't feel bad to be home for the holidays. I chose to work as a school nurse and working Monday to Friday with holidays off is a wonderful perk. I also run my ass off most days so the students in my school receive the care they deserve. I don't work as a school nurse who doles out bandaids and encounters stomach aches. I'm a proud school nurse who gives care to medically fragile, special education students so they have the opportunity to attend school.

You know what else doesn't take a holiday? My son. There have been many holidays where Thomas' behavior has shadowed a good time. Last year was no exception. I know you all know I love my son and I wouldn't spend any holiday without him; I would just love it if he would chill for one of them, any of them. Thomas has made big strides in his behavior, however he has never not been high maintenance, even as a young child. Sometimes it's amusing and other times not funny at all. This year we have chosen to stay home. It's worth it to be able to bring Thomas home if he starts in since the group home is only 10 minutes away. As high maintenance as my son can be I still wouldn't change him for the world. He's not the same person he was when he was a teen and neither am I. We've both grown and changed into better versions of ourselves. He hugs me these days and kisses me on the cheek. He never used to. And when he started I was so happy. Simple, take for granted actions from your child such as a hug and a kiss. I always hug my girls and I tell all my kids and my husband that I love them when we leave each other. Even if it's just a trip to the store. I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving !!