Christmas definately is a time of family love. I am especially grateful that I am surrounded by the most loving daughters, son-in-law and granddaughters that any one person is fortunate enough to have.
As everyone knows I lost my soulmate and love of my life, Norm, in November and was not really sure how this holiday would be. But I shouldn't have worried my family was wonderful as usual of course there were many tears but loving arms to console.
We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas Eve at Darcy's parents Yvonne and Dave who warmly welcomed our whole family to join in their annual Christmas Eve tradition of food, drink, singing ( ? ), fun, laughter and love.
I thank you so much for that.
After the festivities there we went back to Darcy and Leanne's where Renaye and the girls stayed the night with us it was wonderful to have everyone under one loving roof.
Christmas morning was again, an emotional yet beautiful day. Heartwarming to see grown grandchildren who are still excited for Christmas morning. We of course had more presents than needed but so much fun to give and receive. We enjoyed a big turkey dinner and played cards and a game called "Heads Up" lots of fun so much laughter.
I am so done with 2013 though and hoping 2014 can do much better.
Thinking of those we lost this year, Bill Dobbie this spring, my Dad, Ross Parcher in June and one of my very good friends Gwen Nelson in July and my love Norm in November. I have said often to many that are hurting that "time heals all wounds". I do hope that saying is true because it sure doesn't seem like it could.
I am definitely trusting that 2014 will bring better things and that although this is not the path I chose; that I will do the best that I can.
My plans for this next year are pretty busy so far. I have been very lucky, Norm's family has generously made it possible for me to join them at our niece Kelly's wedding in Mexico in January.
We have a road trip planned this summer with my brother Larry and his family and ALL our family. A very generous benefactor has given Leanne, Renaye and myself an Alaskan cruise in memory of Norm. Norm and I had always said we wanted to do that cruise and they were listening. I can not tell you how amazing and wonderful that is to me.
I am hoping to go back to work. Keep my mind active and busy enough to not dwell on the sadness. Also I will be looking for my own apartment or condo to live in come this spring. This will be the very first time I live on my own. Other than Norm being away a couple of weeks at a time I have never been alone. Going to be tough but will manage I'm sure.
Although I am devastated by my loss I am also aware of how blessed I am. Darcy and Leanne, Renaye, Amanda, Megan, Ashley and Alyx I don't have sufficient words to express my love for all of you. My family near and far have been wonderful. My friends all over have been great. Thank you everyone and keep the cards, emails and calls coming I really look forward to hearing from you.
My friend Margaret sent me a card with this paragraph from a book called "Day at a Time" I love it and thought I would share it with you:
" We cannot control the movement of time nor can we control our own destiny, or the destiny of those we love. But, we can take comfort in knowing that those who have lived in our hearts are never really gone. For as long as we keep them with us , in our hearts and in our thoughts they will be with us always. For love, which is timeless, never ceases to exist."
I want to wish you each and everyone a very happy 2014 filled with all the love and laughter you can handle.
With Love and Hugs,
Jo
I am definitely trusting that 2014 will bring better things and that although this is not the path I chose; that I will do the best that I can.
My plans for this next year are pretty busy so far. I have been very lucky, Norm's family has generously made it possible for me to join them at our niece Kelly's wedding in Mexico in January.
We have a road trip planned this summer with my brother Larry and his family and ALL our family. A very generous benefactor has given Leanne, Renaye and myself an Alaskan cruise in memory of Norm. Norm and I had always said we wanted to do that cruise and they were listening. I can not tell you how amazing and wonderful that is to me.
I am hoping to go back to work. Keep my mind active and busy enough to not dwell on the sadness. Also I will be looking for my own apartment or condo to live in come this spring. This will be the very first time I live on my own. Other than Norm being away a couple of weeks at a time I have never been alone. Going to be tough but will manage I'm sure.
Although I am devastated by my loss I am also aware of how blessed I am. Darcy and Leanne, Renaye, Amanda, Megan, Ashley and Alyx I don't have sufficient words to express my love for all of you. My family near and far have been wonderful. My friends all over have been great. Thank you everyone and keep the cards, emails and calls coming I really look forward to hearing from you.
My friend Margaret sent me a card with this paragraph from a book called "Day at a Time" I love it and thought I would share it with you:
" We cannot control the movement of time nor can we control our own destiny, or the destiny of those we love. But, we can take comfort in knowing that those who have lived in our hearts are never really gone. For as long as we keep them with us , in our hearts and in our thoughts they will be with us always. For love, which is timeless, never ceases to exist."
I want to wish you each and everyone a very happy 2014 filled with all the love and laughter you can handle.
With Love and Hugs,
Jo
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