"Our Family Journey" - The Highs and Lows of Everyday Life as a Kinship Caregiver, Guardian or Adoptive Parent

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December 2023: Here's to a New Beginning

Today marks the beginning of a chapter that I never anticipated, one where my home opens its doors to my beloved nieces, Lily and Emma. The air is filled with mixed emotions as we prepare to navigate this transition during the holiday season.

They've been resilient in the face of loss, finding comfort in the embrace of their grandmother after losing their mom. Now, as they step into my home, leaving behind the familiarity of their grandmother's, I can't help but sense the weight of change that accompanies their move. It's not just a new address; it's a new school, a new town, a new routine. The excitement of starting fresh is there, but so is the awareness of what they're leaving behind.

The recent loss of their mom is a delicate thread woven into the fabric of our holiday preparations. The joy of the season is tinged with the understanding that this year, it won't be the same. We're not just decorating the tree; we're creating a new space where memories will unfold, shaped by the echoes of the past.

As I watch them eagerly embrace the idea of a fresh start, I can't help but acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. Moving during the holidays adds an extra layer of complexity to their already intricate journey. The ornaments on the tree and the twinkling lights cast both warmth and shadows, reminding us of the duality of this moment.

The upcoming festivities might intensify the emotions, serving as poignant markers of a changed reality. But within the carols and the laughter, I hope to find moments of connection, a shared understanding that, despite the hardships, there is love and resilience in our midst.

So, here's to a new beginning, to forging our path through the uncertainties of change during the season of lights. May the holidays bring not only the challenges of adjustment but also the comfort of new beginnings and the strength to face them together.