I’m sorry that I’ve been absent for a week, but the holiday season has been a bit stressful and I’ve been taking care of myself. I’ve been reading and listening to music.
Others have helped out as well. I’ve spent Friday evening with Tom at the Franklin Institute. We enjoyed watching the stars in the planetarium, drag bingo (we almost won twice, but others beat us to it), and a drag show. He had a lot of fun and it was a chance for both of us to relax a little.
When I got home, I had an e-mail waiting for me from one of my pen-pals. Brooke drew me a holiday gift. I’m going to frame it. I thanked her, it’s such a beautiful photo of me and Tommy.
I tend to really miss Nan during the holidays. Next month will be 9 years since she died and the holidays seem to be me hitting me harder this year. I think probably because I’m in a relationship and I wish she was here to see it. She would love Tommy and I know she would welcome him with opened arms. Of course she’s doing this in another existence, but I wish her existence was still in the flesh. Sunday I really felt it, especially since that was the 37th anniversary of her husband’s death (my grandfather I never met, he died 4.5 years before I was born). We used to visit him on the anniversaries and I guess that’s why it hit me too.
Tom and I went ice skating and rode the Ferris wheel. He cheered me up a bit and for that I am grateful. We both hate heights, but being with each other on that Ferris wheel calmed our nerves. He kissed me as we were stuck on the top, the Ben Franklin bridge as the backdrop with the Delaware river. “I love you,” he whispered, “I love you too,” I whispered back. So grateful. Also, the ice skates were perfect!
This week, four ADAs and the DDA gave me gifts and thanked me not only for the hard work I do for them, but my dedication. I am loved and appreciated. I am grateful that I have a wonderful job. I have two wonderful jobs! One of my library friends also gave me a gift with a card stating she’s so happy that life has been turning around for me, and looks forward to seeing what 2022 brings. I’m verklempt.
I’ve also had a generous secret Santa from Reddit who has been showering me in gifts for the last two days. Thank you, dear Reddit Santa! You know me so well!
I’m also thankful for friends and family. What are you thankful for today and for this holiday season?
The Happiness Box Project 
Hi, Jessica Marie!
It’s great to catch up with you and Tom and see what you’ve been doing with Christmas looming large. I’m glad you made it over to the planetarium at Franklin Institute. When I was in cub scouts and boy scouts, our packs traveled to Philly and D.C. to experience planetarium programs. I was wild about astronomy at that age and loved every minute of it. I also got interested in rocks and minerals by purchasing a set of them at the gift shop in the lobby of the planetarium.
That drag bingo game and drag show looks like fun.
Wow, friend Brooke is quite an artist! That color drawing of the happy couple “Tomessica” is lovely and yessum, suitable for framing. I’m sorry you need to face the anniversary of Nan’s death next month, but I’ve got a feeling you will handle it well, especially with Tommy to help you through. You took great pictures at all these spots the two of you visited, the drag show, ice skating, Ferris Wheel. Do you get the metaphor? Alone, you are both afraid of heights, but you are “stronger together.” That’s why I know you will get thru Nan’s death anniversary in better shape this year. Hooray for the haul you received from your Reddit Secret Santa!
Enjoy the rest of your week and have a very happy Christmas, dear friend JM!
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