This is the first full Christmas season without my mother. She passed away unexpectedly last Dec. 22. Our last time spent together was Thanksgiving 2014.While it's true that last Christmas was truly the first without her, that time was filled with decisions and arrangements to be made. There was also time spent with family and friends. Being surrounded by caring people left little time to grieve during a holiday, which was a good thing.
However, this Christmas is different and I feel her absence more strongly. But with this sadness, there is also joyfulness. I believe that she is celebrating Christmas with family members and friends who left before her including my father, her parents and sister and many of her special friends. I can imagine them still all gathering for their regular Saturday night gin rummy game.
Also, as mentioned in a previous post, some of her holiday decorations are being used in our apt home this year. They are treasured and will continue to be part of our Christmas decor for years to come; she will be here in spirit.
The past couple of weeks, I've spent time looking through family photos as I put together a photo album for my brother. There were many photos of my mother as she enjoyed Christmas celebrations with her family; she always had a good time.
This holiday season, if you are also missing family member(s) or special friend(s), remember the happy times spent together — and make new holiday memories to cherish.
Merry Christmas
Dorothy (aka Beatrice)
9 comments:
You are in my thoughts... I know how hard it is. At least you don't have to drive past her house everyday. That is still hard for me.
I was glad to have met your mother.
I hope you have a good Christmas, enjoy your decorations, and know "They" are always part of us.
Merry Christmas to you as you navigate through this season in a different way, missing those who have departed but cherishing their memories.
Having had been there myself with the loss of my mother, Christmas is never the same again.
beautiful collage and tribute to your mother. Mother was the Christmas queen in our family and our gatherings stopped when she died.. Daddy and I are humbugs and my brother and his wife are to far away to get together. Merry chrstmas
Going through the old photos is an excellent way to remember your mother at this time. I am a firm believer in talking about those who are gone. It not only keeps them close to our hearts but it is a release of the hurt that comes from missing them. This is really your first Christmas without you mother. Last year it still was not real yet. I know you will be thinking of her on Christmas and you should. It will be slightly bittersweet but the good memories will warm you.
Lovely photos . After the years of both my mum and dad being gone I still find all the holidays tuff to get through with out them , they both loved this time of year the most and always made it such a wonderful time for us all ! They maybe gone but never forgotten and will always be in our hearts and memories ! Hope you both have a Wonderful Christmas .
This Christmas, I will show a family video made in 1993 to my guests. It will be poignant to see family members on the video who have passed away since then.
Merry Christmas, Dorothy! I miss my mother so much, she loved Christmas.
Lovely post and photos, Dorothy. There are many that I miss during the Christmas season too. Hugs to you and Merry Christmas!
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