Friends Are Family

 

2024 has been the end of an era. My dear Daddy left us the end of September, a man larger than life. We also experienced the loss of my husband’s parents and my dad’s sister. This has been a year filled with grief. 

But, we’ve also been blessed with the kindness of friends, people who have stepped into the void, raised us up, included us in family holiday gatherings and made us feel welcome. 

There is no greater gift than knowing people that care, include, share, celebrate and create a haven for those of us that feel alone. 

We must have done something right over the years to experience such good fortune. Thank you to the Universe for responding to my manifestations. 🩵

Our First Christmas as Orphans

 

I know I’ve been fortunate to have my dad and my in-laws in my life  for as long as I have. Many people do not have such good fortune. But, it doesn’t matter when your loved ones pass to whatever is beyond. It is a devastating finality that alters one’s perception of life. The loss leaves a crater in one’s heart that can never be filled. 

This is our first Christmas without our parents, the people who raised us, gave us our moral center, and loved us unconditionally. It is not to say without disapproval. Instead, we knew, no matter what dumb stuff we did, our parents would not give up on us. 

Yes,  I know I disappointed both of my parents. It’s just a facet of live. But, that never stopped them from loving me, talking on a Sunday afternoon or giving the benefit of the doubt.

I am grateful for that blessing. And I miss the ability to embrace my loved ones, spend time with them, listen to their stories, and absorb the lessons they learned throughout their lives. I’m not sure what it will take to fill the hole in my heart. 

Bittersweet Holidays

 

2024 has been a transitional year. Between March 31st and the end of September we lost my father-in-law,  my Aunt Virginia, my mother-in -law, a colleague I admired and my dad.  Notwithstanding the grief and pain, I am grateful for the beautiful relationships we shared. But the loss of my dad, the most gentle of gentlemen, broke my heart. 

My dad told stories. He grew up on a farm in southern Indiana without indoor plumbing and electricity. He loved my mom with every fiber of his being. But he enjoyed his cats, his family, his church, his friends, his neighbors, his community, and life. 

Wow, the beautiful people we’ve lost this year could cause me to spiral into depression. But, instead I feel blessed that these wonderful human beings enhanced my life. I’m grateful Daddy lived nearly 8 years after Mom left us. 

This gentle, larger than life, man of 92/brought joy to those around him. I am grateful that we were able to see him on his last goood days, drinking whiskey, enjoying a cigar, and living life a bit less awful because of the gifts of Michigan embracing end of life herbal remedies.

Daddy, I miss you. The tears stream down my cheeks as I write this. But, I’m happy you’ve reunited with mom.