It’s quiet.  My first waking thought this morning was “Oh yeah, everyone’s gone.”  And there is not one thing I have to do today. The beds are all re-made, extension leaves for the dining room table are stored away, and this will be the final day for left-overs.  Memories made.

Was it perfect?  Ummmmm, we’re human.  Was it wonderful?  You betcha!

Do I miss them?  Yes.  Am I happy they each have fulfilling lives to return to?  Double yes.  Am I happy I have a fulfilling life separate from my role as mother, step-mother, mother-in-law, family planner and host of holidays?  Triple yes!

This year we celebrated Thanksmas with our blended bunch of seven adult “kids.”  They amaze me.  Even if they weren’t “ours,” they are wonderful, caring individuals.  I could ask for nothing more.

I believe in The Law of Attraction and manifesting through positive thoughts.  I manifested a gorgeous table for our Thanksgiving meal by pulling pictures from magazines which I set on the table weeks ago.  It was important to me to use my china and the silver I inherited from my mother last year.  I dreamed of white flowers since we were celebrating both Christmas and Thanksgiving this year.  It happened.

Mostly, I set an intention for manifesting love.  We were all together for the holiday for the first time in a few years, and I so wanted our time together to be special.  I wrote an affirmation: “May all who walk through the door and into our home, leave feeling loved.”  I believe that happened.  And if it did, I consider this holiday a HUGE success.

I continue to send positive thoughts to my loved ones, but for today, I enjoy the silence.