So far this year, this is the first holiday (Thanksgiving) that I have been home. But for the members of my cutter, this is the first holiday they have been home for most of the year. I remember mentioning that I planned on still celebrating my son’s birthday when I got off patrol a few weeks back, and I got the response of: "It’s already past and gone. Mommy joined the Coast Guard, she’s going to miss special days.”
Why they feel like holidays have to be static is beyond me. I’ve been with a few different families that find holidays are flexible. They might celebrate it more than once in the week/month because they are sharing it with different members of their family (biological and extended).
So this is sort of a message for those of you that cannot be home for the holidays, but will be able to make it home within reason- holidays like Thanksgiving, Easter, Birthdays, Christmas and other such “big” days do not need to be static. You can still enjoy them with the ones you love if you are in a position where you have to work. Even in history the dates (save really Birthdays) have changed to fit where they are today. Why not allow a bit of flexibility in your own schedule?
To the world of all those that have to work this holiday season: Happy Holidays, you are appreciated.
Gather at the River,
Setanaoko Oceana
