Our Christmas Story - When You Lose A Loved One At Christmas
Most people assume that our Christmas is forever tarnished because we lost, Tim, my children's father to cancer on Christmas Day in 2001. We actually had our best and worst Christmas all tied up into one that year. Seeing why it would have been the worst is easy but not many know what made it the best. I would like to share that side of our story.
I will start with the fact that his parent's dog just had puppies. They were absolutely adorable, and there just happened to be as many puppies as there were of us. When we needed a time out from reality, they were a wonderful source to provide it.
Health wise Tim should have passed at least a week prior. His brother and family; who can usually only come for Thanksgiving, had to come at Christmas instead that year. So, all of his family was present. It even worked out that we did our gift opening and dinner celebration on Christmas Eve that year.
In the days before, we had a hard time. Not knowing from one minute to the next when he would pass. His health had been on a roller coaster ride but Christmas Eve was the first time in over a week that he felt good enough to sit up in an arm chair, eat, visit and laugh. Oh, how I miss that laugh.
Our real gifts did not come beautifully wrapped up in boxes that year. They came through having one more Christmas with Tim. It was a beautiful celebration and for a brief time the ugly thoughts of the cancer seemed to leave our minds.
I am happy to say that all of us connected to it carry that in our hearts. It was the gift of that memory that made it the best Christmas we could ever ask for.
@air-clinic #AIR-CLINIC #STACH
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Thanks!
I am sorry for your loss, even though it has been 16 years ago I can still feel the love, emotion and memory on your story.
Thank you @afterglow
You're very much welcome. Stay strong.
I've had no choice but to. :)
I know you can :)
Beautiful story sweetie, how wonderful you all could be together at that time. I lost my dad a few days after Christmas last year and am thankful it was quick for him. Blessed be
Thanks. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad but I'm glad it was quick. Sometimes that's all we can hope for.
I can not imagine what it is to loose a husband, but i did write a blog about the most difficult times in my life, and one describes the passing of my mum on second christmas day, on christmas eve she sat for the last time at the table with us, christmas she slept all day, and second day she left, i felt her leave. Christmas never will be the same, but nothing is, there always will be before and after, i am sure you know that feeling. Strength debra !
Thank you @janine-ariane I'm glad you got one last day with your mom too.
Thank you for sharing this piece of your life @debralee. The photos and story are a beautiful reminder of love, which is what I picture Christmas being all about. Truly beautiful.
Thanks @denisechips
It was indeed a miraculous Christmas Eve. Tim and family got to say their good byes in a positive and loving way. I can understand why the kids would only want to celebrate on Christmas eve. Thank you for sharing this. I am sure its not easy. Hugs.
Thank you. ((Hugs))
Thanks for sharing this emotional read with us just reading it was a roller coaster of emotions
So glad he was able to have a good final Christmas eve with you all
Tip!
Thanks @tattoodjay For years after, the kids and I would only celebrate on Christmas Eve. Honestly, its just been in the last few years that we have let it be on Christmas Day again.
That’s totally understandable 🤗
I'm lucky too because my current husband understood and let us do what we needed to do. :)
That is great that he is so understanding
It takes a special person to be able to make this day into something special for the kids (and yourself) to remember. The reality and depth of losing someone you love at any time is heart-wrenching, to say the least, but, the holiday?
she sighs
Love to you and your whole family xoxo Thank you for sharing a most extraordinary story of courage and love. hugs tip!
Thanks @dswigle Its not been an easy journey but it did teach me to try to look at life a bit differently than I ever had before. That said, some days have been easier to do it than others. ((Hugs))