I made it through my first Christmas without you, and soon New Year's Day. I spent Christmas with Auntie Ann and Uncle Cephus, as you would expect. That's what we always did, ever since I can remember. I've always loved that! I missed you in the morning when Bella and I got up and opened our gifts. A friend gave me some gifts to put under the tree. I couldn't help but to think of you sitting in the chair last year bringing me so many laughs as you opened your gifts and started grooving to the music on the TV.
What a fun time!! Great memories for me! But Bella and I enjoyed some more memories this Christmas. Then definitely had a great time with everyone at Auntie Ann and Uncle Cephus's, lots of laughs! So thankful for the time to spend with them.
The rest of the week was a little sad as I attended the wake for my 29 year old friend who died December 20. She needed a lung transplant, but was too sick to get one, and passed away before that could happen. It was very difficult for me. I was hurting for her parents, she was an only child, but also for her husband of just 2 years. I think I was extra emotional because of thinking of you and missing you, and because of the sadness of Sandy Hook still strong on my mind. Her wake was Wednesday night, you can tell pappy she had a Red Sox shirt on, he'll appreciate that! Her funeral was on Thursday, and it was a beautiful memorial service for her!
Then of course pappy's birthday was Friday. I miss you both so much! But the Lord has allowed me to see blessings too. We got a great amount of snow - 11 inches on Saturday! You know how much I love that!! And now getting prepared to bring in the New Year. Once again, it will be strange not having you here to celebrate with. I did get the Sparkling Cider like I normally do. We always love that! It was on sale 2 for $5, so of course I had to get two. I also got some French bread today to go with a yummy appetizer I made yesterday. I thought it probably looked to people as if I was going to have a nice little party, well, it will be a nice quiet, little party with Bella. I did have a couple of offers to spend some time with friends, but I don't really think I want to be out tonight. I don't really like traveling on New Year's Eve, so I don't think I'll go. If I did, I would be leaving in a little while to get there early so I can get home early. We'll see. Wish you were here, I miss you. But I'm so happy for you that you get to celebrate New Year's in heaven with Jesus and pappy! You'll both be in my thoughts so much tonight. But as I told you before you took your last breath, I am going to be OK, I am OK, Bella is OK. I sometimes ask her where you are, and she picks her head up and looks and just growls. I know she misses you, too. But I'm so blessed to have her! I am also blessed with so many wonderful memories! Happy New Year, my favorite gal, I love you!!
Stacey,
ReplyDeleteMay God bless you in a most pleasantly exciting way this year.
We stayed in as well for New Year's eve, I think it makes the time more precious than to go and be with others. It makes it easier to listen to your own heart, for God's whispers.
Happy New Year!
Judi
Thank you so much, Judi!! It was nice to just have time to be still and quiet here. :) God bless you and Happy New Year to you and your family, too!
DeleteAll the 'firsts' are so sad and hard, but I know as we go through each occasion one day at a time, we can and will do it.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you often.
Hugs,
Yes, it's so hard to think of all the firsts, so as you said, we just have to take them one at a time. God has been good, helping me, though many times I get weak, as I am sure you do, too. But He knows, and would expect that, and that's when He wants to shower us in His blessings. I know we'll make it! I think of you often too, my friend! Praying for you! Hugs to you!!
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