Tippy's post in the other thread about her neighbour's son getting killed so close to Christmas had me thinking about my uncle who died in a motorcycle accident at such a young age. I remember my grandfather the most at this time of year, a man who was very special to me. I wish I could see his face and he could meet my daughter. I remember the times he used to give us his old pop bottles and send us to the store for the money and we could choose whatever candy we wanted. He loved us and we miss him. He was taken from us due to lung cancer on November 9th, about 18 years ago. Merry Christmas Grandpa, wherever you are

This will be my 5th Xmas without Zachary...he died when he was 2. He would have been seven and in grade 3 had he lived....miss him so much...sorry for your loss Pookie

In 1994 I lost my aunt and my Mom within a week of each other. Almost exactly one year later my sister's daugher and her three year old little boy were killed in a car accident. It's been a long hard battle to get over the pain and just remember the good times we had together. Christmas is bittersweet when you're missing lost loved ones.

When I was 18, my 14 year old sister died suddenly and unexpectedly from a hemorraging ulcer. She had been doctoring constantly, but they never checked for this as a source of her stomach problems. She died on a snowy December 4th and I didn't even get to say good bye. As you say Linda, December is a bittersweet time of year. Sending hugs to all--share them with your loved ones.

The posts remind me of my sister and her losses. Her birthday is in March and she just dreads that month. Our father died during that month. Her 18-year-old daughter died that month and a year later her 18-year-old son was killed in an accident. Her best friend also died during that month and so did two uncles. Now, this was't all in the same year, but she just dreads seeing that month come as she prays she will not lose another person. As she puts it though, she is a tough old broad!

I guess the lesson in all of this is to never take anyone for granted as they may slip away in a blink of an eye.

I am so Blessed to still have my immediate family to share with. All of my grandparents have crossed over, but I have the comfort that they led full and long lives.

The past two years has brought the loss of many friends and extended family members. And my husbands cousin is expected to pass any day now.

Despite the craziness of real life, I agree with you Tip, it is so important to not take for granted those in our lives. To take the extra few minutes just to let them know you're thinking of them and what they mean to you.

Love to all.

J

Just over 15 years ago, my wonderful sister Kim died of Melanoma. She left a 6 month old son and daughters 3 and 5. We have remained close to these beautiful kids over the years thanks to their caring father. They have grown into wonderful people and my sister would be so proud.

My loving stepfather died a year & 1/2 ago. My mom and the rest of us miss him very much. I feel very honored that my children knew him so well (and he, they) and will have fond memories of him.

I agree that the holidays are rough when loved ones have crossed but it eases the pain and actually helps with healing by keeping the pleasant memories alive by talking about them. We have always done this in my family.

Kel

Wow now I know I'm not alone, Thanks all for sharing.

Lets see where do I begin?

In 1984 I lost my Father Richard to lung cancer.
In 1990 I lost my 34 year old Brother Richie to a heart attack.
This is the hardest one but January 16, 1998 my oldest Sister JessAnn died of a rare blood disease that took her life in one week. The doctors said she would be okay but it attacked every organ in her body and within 3 days she was gone.....never got to say good bye. Needless to say she left behine a 3 and 5 year old which we never get to see now because my BIL remarried......ANYWAY......ever since her death I gained 45 lbs and I can't stop myself.

But you know God Is Good......I have 2 sisters here with me and 2 brothers (total of 7 kids lol) and thank GOD my Mother is still here with us so I do considered myself to be very blessed.

I also have a 4 month old daughter and a wonderful husband of 12 years now. .......... Who could ask for more ??? Not me.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays all..........remember its not what we don't have its what we DO have. And I consider myself very blessed to have had my Dad, Brother and Especially my Sister JessAnn in my life.....I will treasure that FOREVER !!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOVE YOU !!!!!!!
Leens

What we do have is wonderful and I am thankful for that, but it does not take away the pain of what I have lost...not ever! Have a great week...Liz

Oh Liz, I understand. The pain never goes away. We learn to live with it. God bless you!

I agree Liz, the pain will NEVER go away, thats for sure.

Love, Leens

This is a bittersweet time of year. When my son was 6 months old (4 yrs ago) my best friend died of an anuerysm the day after Christmas(her birthday was Christmas). It was horrible. My grandmother died on January 4, 1989. I will never forget that day either. And my dear brother-in-law died 2 days after my husbands birthday this past March. I like to think that they are all watching over us, particularly my children, my brother in law loved my children so much, I know he is watching out for them from above!!!! Hugs to all!!