I'm finding it tricky to reflect on 2017. When I think back on the past year there are only three big moments that stick out in my mind- Mexico trip, turning 40 and my parents moving away. The trip and my birthday were very joyous and momentous occasions, both of which I wrote about in previous blog posts. They were definite highlights of the year. My parents moving away on the other hand was and still is a hard thing for me. They moved away in June and the initial shock and sadness has worn off. And though I miss them terribly I'm happy they are living their retirement the way they want to, in a place they dreamt of living in. What still lingers are the deaths of old traditions; things I took for granted that will never occur again unless we live in the same town again.
Meeting up for coffee is one thing I miss a lot. My mom and I used to do that on a regular basis, which was an easy and quick way to catch up. We'd meet in the same parking lot in Fort Langley and walk down the main street to the same coffee shop- The Blacksmith Bakery, and order pretty much the same thing- coffee and bacon croissants. Except one time I ordered a gluten free scone and I never heard the end of it, because my mom hates things that are gluten free. But we ate it anyways. Or the time my mom inadvertently ordered a chocolate brownie but saying Um a brownie would be nice. The cashier thought my mom ordered one so in the end we had a brownie and two croissants that day. Since she left, I haven't been back.
I also miss Sunday night dinners with them. My mom would cook something amazing and my dad would have this great new wine to try. We'd eat too much and talk about everything and everyone. My dad and my husband would catch up on sports or something like that. It was fun and comforting. Now in order to have coffee or a meal together we have to go visit them at their place or they have to come visit here for a few days. And don't get me wrong that is lots of fun too but it's not the same as it used to be.
A tradition I'm missing today is such a silly one, but it was one I counted on each January 1st- ordering in Chinese food togerther, no matter how hung over we may be. This is the first year they are not here for it. I know I can order food in with just my husband, but it isn't the same. There was something special the way my mom would always say this is the only time of year I eat this food and we'd laugh. My dad and my husband would always go pick it up and I'd help my mom arrange the kitchen counter with serving spoons and forks. Then when they'd bring in the bags of food we'd all say wow, looks like a lot of food maybe we shouldn't have ordered so much. And then we'd laugh again, because no matter what you have to order all the good dishes, like ginger beef, deep fried won tons, fried shrimp and rice and chow mein, and all sorts of other dishes that taste so incredible you have to order them, hence the ridiculous amount of food.
I know I'm bemoaning like they are gone for good, but I miss them and the little things. I know in time this will pass and I'll have embraced the new traditions of visiting them for a few days at a time, but this is a good way to end 2017- letting old habits and emotions wash away as the new year comes in. So here is to a new year with all sorts of new habits, traditions and possibilities while I let the old ones die off.
