Today was what our family has called for years, "Shopping Day".... not Black Friday as it is referred to today. Ever since I was a little girl my mom, aunts, and grandma would venture out on the Friday after Thanksgiving to hunt for good deals and bargains. We would call it the woman's day out and the men would stay home and watch the kids while the women went on their annual hunting trip.
It wasn't until I was 12 years old that I earned the right of passage that was needed to be upgraded from head babysitter to be considered old enough to shop with the best bargain hunters in the family. We would wake up early and head out on our adventures. We would all meet at the same store and for some years it was always Fred Meyers, because they had the best deal on socks. I don't remember it being about big ticket items back then. For us it was about spending time together as a group of female hunters making memories and just having fun.
We would then meet for lunch and share all the funny stories from the day as well as the years previous. My grandma, who just recently passed away, always seemed to have the most hilarious stories to share. Whether it was when she went in for a case of $5.00 barbies, or running into the mens bathroom on accident and then wetting herself from the shock of it, are definitely two of my favorite stories from our past shopping days.
Although the focus of shopping day has change dramatically over the years, our family has continued to enjoy this day as a women's get away. As I have created a family of my own, this shopping of sisterhood has increased. My girls and sister-in-laws' now join us for this time honored tradition.
This year was not what I would call normal, nor would I call the past 8 months have been anything but normal. My grandma is gone, my mom was home sick, my daughter and her baby were not able to go, and my family did not want me to go and cause a worse flare-up for myself. It was extremely hard to not participate in this day. This was the first day in over 30 years that I have missed spending time with these wonderful women in my family.
I tried to shop online, and even made my husband take me to one store, where after one hour I had to leave due to my breathing and pain. Not being able to spend time with the girls today really made me appreciate just how lucky I am to have these women in my life. Although I was a bit saddened not being able to be with them today, I did realize that I don't need any one special day to make memories with them. But... since I did miss spending time with them I called everyone up and set up a day to go to lunch and one store with them together next week.
I am truly grateful for the women in my family, both past and present, who have made such a difference in my life. I am learning that I just have to find other ways to spend time with them that allow me to stay with in the boundaries of my "new normal" so that I can make the best of the time I am able to spend with them!
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