What I really want for Christmas

I would like to see all my family in good health; DD's arm whole and entire, as it was before her accident, impossible; DDiL athritic problems all cleared up, possible and DH's hearing problem properly diagnosed and treated.

What I really want for Christmas is a hug from my grandson...even a text,a card or an email would be wonderful.

I wish I could wave my santa wand (mixing my metaphors) and grant your wishes phoenix and crimson. it's not as if you are asking for the moon*phoenix*, I hope 2013 brings optimism on the job front - nil carborundum!
crimson give your dog a hug and watch her face split into a huge grin. It is hard to stay down when they whack you with their tails and grin all over their soppy faces. Of course you are entitled to a whinge, but as a mum you are probably still "protecting" them and keeping your feelings to yourself. "Whinge" to us any time you like - you need not feel like a lost soul. PS have you watched it yet?

Crimson, why do you feel bad about sharing your feelings with your son? Not only have you a right to share with your nearest and dearest, but they have a right to know what's bugging you. If they can sense your discontent or discomfort but don't know the reason for it, this could drive them further away. Our adult children can be our closest friends or we can dig a moat round ourselves and pull up the drawbridge.

crimson you are not lost, you just haven't worked out where you would like to land! (Heaven knows what's got into me tonight, I'm like a cross between the sodding Waltons and Patience Strong, if that's who I mean)

crimson my most revered fount of racing knowledge, you are entitled to a whinge, you are allowed to feel upset, angry, confused, (delete where not applicable) just bear in mind that you have come this far, and you can go further. (I'm bloody doing it again, "matron, I think it's time for my medication!"

Oh sod it, crimson, you're ok, really you are, and don't let the bastard loony grind you down!

I had a telephone conversation with my son tonight and I feel bad about this because I usually manage to not whinge to him about things [I resolved a while ago to not discuss any problems with my daughter] but I told him I just wanted to belong somewhere. You know those lost souls floating about in A Christmas Carol; thats me.