Family time was very difficult when my girls were little, but I never missed a birthday; I was there for every major event.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I never missed a birthday. I never missed a school play. We carpooled. And the greatest compliment I can ever get is not about my career or performance or anything; it's when people say, 'You know, your girls are great.' That's the real thing for me.
It's hard, and I don't always get to see my kids. I will never catch up on that time I've missed.
The best holiday I ever had was the first one I went on without my parents, when I was 17.
Father's Day was great, but all the family gatherings brought up my mother's death. Maybe it's me, because I am a wimp. We would get together, but there was someone missing!
As I celebrate life, I can't help but think how young my mom was when she died of a heart attack at 53. My mom didn't get to meet her grandchildren, but I'm determined to watch mine grow up.
Although I managed my schedule to be home by late afternoon most days, basically, Roselle raised our children alone. And so I missed out on a lot of wonderful moments, missed watching my kids grow into the wonderful people they are today.
I had very busy parents, but I really appreciated having a set of traditions during my own childhood, like consistently celebrating holidays at the same place.
Birthdays are just weird! I like to have something simple like a dinner with friends and family if possible.
The worst part about celebrating another birthday is the shock that you're only as well as you are.
I miss both of my parents terribly every day, but especially as we approach Thanksgiving. We always came together as a family for that holiday, playing capture the flag and touch football and laughing a lot.