Friday, December 28, 2007

Christmas is over




i made it through the season with only a few minor bumps along the way. i really think for me, the anticipation of dreading this time, was almost as bad as the loneliness and hurt that i felt. we tried as a family to respect some of our old and long standing traditions as well as start some new ones, or at least vary them for this year.

Christmas Eve evening after we went to church we drove to look at Christmas lights, rented a movie and then came home to watch it and have a drink or two. this is what i anticipated to be the hardest as Christmas Eve had always been the 4 of us and my parents. instead of the usual nice dinner i always prepared, we made homemade pizza and all shared in making this. when the boys were young we used to do this quite often and had always had fun. somehow over the years we got away from this so it brought back good memories for all of us. it actually turned out quite tasty as well.

Christmas morning was laid back and quiet, just the 4 of us. in the afternoon my sister and her family came over and we opened up all the stockings that my mom had knitted for each and every one of us over the years. my sister's and mine have somewhat yellowed over the years as they are both well over 50 years old but otherwise still look great. we shed a few tears as we remembered earlier Christmases but after dinner we played Wii, which one of my niece's brought over, and had a really good time, especially with the bowling.

last night ended our Christmas celebrating as we went over to russ' niece and her family. we have been getting together with our families as we are the 3 families who moved away from galesburg, il., where russ and his siblings and their families all grew up to the milwaukee area.

i must say i am glad that Christmas is over now. i thought a lot about all my blogger friends, those that were grieving this year as well as those that are still in the throws of caregiving, wondering if this would be their last Christmas with their loved one. we never know what the future holds so we need to try to cherish each moment we can with our loved ones.

for cinn, i am especially thinking of you today. her mother finally passed away peacefully yesterday morning. i am glad your mom is free of this disease but ache for the sorrow you must be feeling. you did a wonderful job with your mom and i know she is very proud of you.

10 comments:

SKYGIRL said...

Dear Nancy. I am sure you are glad that 'this' Christmas is over, but I am so proud of You, for how you celebrated, and it seems you reaped some good memories, and joyful times out of them.

Your Boy's will always Love You, and need you, even when they are all grown up, and 'our' age! I think as long as you have Love in your Life, you will be alright.

I hope this new year finds you at Peace, and enjoying some Happiness, Nancy. No one deserves it more!

~Betsy said...

Your boys seem so tuned in and caring - what a wonderful reflection on you and Bob. You should be proud!

I love the stockings. Your mom was quite talented. I can't even knit a potholder - Lord knows I tried! :)

I'm so glad to hear you got through. You were on my mind and in my heart over the holiday. ((hugs))

Stay strong!

Lori1955 said...

I'm so glad that Christmas is over and that we all made it through somehow. It was a hard season. I'm glad you found some joy in the day and resurrected an old tradition.

Joanne said...

What beautiful stockings! And what a treasured handmade item to cherish as a keepsake forever. I'm so glad you made it through the holiday without too many bumps along the way. Your family sounds wonderful. I wish you and your family all the love, peace and joy you deserve for the new year. ((hugs))

dave said...

Christmas is over, that is good in so many ways. I spent much of it with a sick friend, and felt privileged to be in his company.
The new year is upon us. "Let us rejoice and sing", even if we do it through some tears.

Anonymous said...

Nancy, thank you for your encouragement and prayers, especially in the past few weeks. You are a unique person, and I admire you much! I too love the stockings - SO beautiful - And such a treasure of remembrance for your Mom! So glad that you were able to find some happiness as we celebrated the Birthday of our Lord! Blessings to you in this New Year!

rilera said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
rilera said...

Nancy, I'm glad you were able to experience some happy moments this Christmas. I still think about my dad and I wonder what Mom will be like next year. The stockings are lovely and so special. One of the things I do when I miss my dad, I touch something that he made and used and it makes me feel close to him again and feel his love. Perhaps those lovely stockings can do the same for you.

I hope that the new year brings you peace.

StefanieRose said...

Thats a really cute photo! :) I am so glad you have such a great family Nancy! :) I know this whole blog family is circling Cin in hugs right now, I just hope she can feel it. *hugs* to you as well!

¸.•*´)ღ¸.•*´Chris said...

Ten little stockings all in a row...all knitted with so much love. What a treasure. Hugs sweetie....and hang in there.