Not Madrid

Sometimes, I miss Madrid so much, it is a physical ache in my heart. An indescribable longing for something so dear, so familiar.
but today is not that day. today is Christmas Eve and I am so thankful to be in my home state in a house with a yard, watching the birds eat at my bird feeders, my house decorated with all things Christmas, fat Santa and American. Things I could never have toted or crated over there or bought once we arrived. Just things, I know. But memories and tradition and part of what makes it a holiday for us.
today my home will be filled with three VERY excited and anxious children. An adorable 88 year old grandmother who is my kindred spirit. Who also, by the way, played a basketball tournament in the hall with my three littles yesterday. Yaya, whom I swore once we returned from Madrid I would never part with again. Auntie A, my brother's wife. Lost him but kept her and she and the littles have such a special and perfect relationship. And Pompey, of course, who loves the holidays and all the tradition even though he did not grow up here and lost his own mother this time of year 14 years ago.
Life is good and we are so thankful to be home sweet home this year. I have no idea how many more years it will be like this. No idea how long I will have Meme. Or Yaya for that matter. And even one short stint overseas will leave all these material things behind. So today, I am happy and thankful and full of wonder and joy at all that thrills these little sweet children I am raising up. I am thankful at the ease at which i can find and purchase all the traditional holiday foods and treats that we love to make and share this time of year. At the same time, my Madrid bff is begging for a sampling of all of Martha's candies and I am faithfully bagging and boxing them up for her. Because Madrid loves Martha too.
But today, today is not Madrid. Today is America and I am glad to be home.