Me, Her, the Boy and a Dog

Tonight marks just the second time in my life that I will go to sleep on Christmas Eve in a house by myself. Now before you start “awwwwing,” I was over at the house tonight to help tuck Nic in and read him a story. His mom offered to let me stay overnight at the house so I could be there Christmas morning when he comes downstairs, but I chose not to, so that was my decision. I’m perfectly okay with it. I will get up early and head back to the house before Nic is awake, so it actually works out OK.

But, the first time I ever spent Christmas alone was 2000. My girlfriend of four years and I broke up the summer prior and I was single. I was also the weekend sports anchor at WVIR in Charlottesville and since my family lived so far away, I volunteered to anchor Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so the other guys could spend time with their families.

I had this tiny little Christmas Tree on an accent table (yes, I know what that is) draped with a table cloth. I had presents from family and friends underneath and even had a stocking with my name on it. I don’t remember feeling sorry for myself or anyting, but maybe I’ve supressed those memories…who knows. Anyhow, I woke up Christmas morning and went into the living room and thought, “Wow. This sucks.” But, I opened my presents, had some coffee and turned on the TV to watch ESPN and everything was OK.

I fixed breakfast and called my parents and other family to chat and thank them for my gifts. I was actually looking forward to going to work that day.

Anyhow, I survived that and I’ll certainly get through Christmas 2008 just fine because I got to see Nic at bedtime, read him “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” heard some reindeer outside and gave him a hug and a kiss goodnight. His mom and I helped Santa get everything ready for Christmas morning.

I’m excited to see him first thing in the morning to record all the fun and excitement of his fourth Christmas. He “got it” last year, but he really gets it this year.

You should have seen his little face when he heard the reindeer outside! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a kid’s eyes get that big and their mouth that wide open. It was adorable. I am so blessed that I got to spend part of Christmas Eve and all of Christmas Day with my son.

Right now, there are thousands of men and women serving in the U.S. military overseas that don’t get to see their kids or family on Christmas. There are police officers, firefighters, doctors, nurses and a host of other professions that are working right now to keep us safe so that we can see our families this holiday season. For that, I am very grateful. I will keep all of those people in my thoughts and prayers.

This is my first Christmas as a separated spouse and father and at first, I was a little saddened by the whole thing. But, all I have to do is put it perspective and I realize that I actually am very blessed and lucky! I get to see my son, and his mom and I get along well enough to be able to spend Christmas with him - together - even though we’re not a family any more.

To all those who cannot be with your families on Christmas, you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God keep you safe so that you can see them again soon!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Gary & Nic