A Holiday Thought from someone with no living family

[honeychile]

James, the offer is still good, and the rum balls are about 190 proof. Let me know if you care to join us - sincerely! Honey

[Susan_Renee]

I'd love to give you a big hug right now, James. Too many people, me included, take the people we love for granted sometimes. I think it's great that you posted that to remind us that we really shouldn't do that. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. I'll be thinking of you.

[Pink_Bug]

This is obviously an old thread but one well worth resurfacing!

My mom died when I was 12 and so the holidays have always been rather bittersweet for me and my brother. As a child we had the kind of family that was only seen in movies...mother was a true angel, dad was well respected in the community, parents loved to entertain, they never argued, cursed, drank, etc...in other words a picture perfect family. We had so many holiday traditions and then that all ended when my mom died.
My dad remarried and from that point on nothing was the same. I think that the remarriage was almost harder than losing my mom or at least it felt like losing her all over again. Things were really rocky with the "new family".
As a child the holidays were my favorite time of the year but after my mom died it was never the same. What really sucks is that the last Christmas that she was with us she spent in the hospital and then died right after Christmas on Jan. 11.
Now that I am an adult things are better. I have children of my own and try to relive those childhood holiday traditions with them. I love the holidays but there is always a certain sadness about them at the same time. I worry about my brother a lot during the holidays because he does not yet have any children of his own and his relationship with my stepmother is not good at all. He gets really depressed during the holidays and it just breaks my heart.
So my point is that James is so right. Cherish your family (both good and bad). Time does not have a rewind button.

[ADqtPiMel]

I'm sorry to hear about your parents, James.

My 16-year old cousin (and best childhood friend) died 2 years ago, and in the past year, I lost two beloved grandparents to lung cancer and a dear friend to the war in Iraq. It makes spending time with family and friends so much more meaningful.

[DGqueen17]

Today my two aunts, my mom and I got together and baked an assload of cookies. I realized how much I love and apperciate my family while I watched them singing Christmas songs while decked out in aprons and flour. Seriously, I don't know what I'd do without them and how lucky I am to have an entire family who will do absolutely anything for me.

This is why I love Christmas.

[Tom Earp]

While it is an old thread, it is more poingiont more that ever.

My Father is 87, My Mother Passd away 5 years ago. I complain about driving 2 1/2 hours to see him. Shame on Me!

Family is Family, you may have had your differences like I had, but Blood is and will always be important.

I will be happy to be with My Father for A couple of Days as Dont get to see Him but maybe twice a year.

Have a Happy Holliday My GC Friends, be safe!

[MiamiADPi]

I was reading this thread and it made me think of how I take my family for granted. I have a huge extended family that I always thought was more of a hastle where Christmas cost some extra $$ and more boring family functions, but it wasn't until I went away to school and didn't see these people on a day to day basis that I realized how much I love them and how my life wouldn't be the same without them. Distance makes the heart grow fonder.... i wish i only realized this lesson years ago so that i didn't miss out on spending time with the ones I love.

Last Christmas, we thought that my 85 year old grandmother was about to give up on life. She didn't want to do anything. Today for my birthday she made me one of her delicious apple pies that I remembered from years ago.... it was the first time in over a year that she truly seemed back to her old self, that was the best birthday/christmas present I could ever ask for.

The Holidays are about friends, family, and being thankful for all the blessings in our lives.

Happy Holidays to everyone and I hope you all find joy this holiday season.

[UKDaisy]

Thank you for bumping this thread!!! I hope everyone on GC has a wonderful holiday! Especially to those that have had trouble or stress lately in the family. I wish my dad would read this and actually get the hint. My grandfather is not doing so well and my dad just kinda ignores that and goes on. So I'm glad I read this tonight....just so I remembered. B/c sometimes its hard....even though it shouldn't be.

And James...... I adore you! You are a good guy even though you try really hard at hiding it.

[trojangal]

James,

What a sweet letter...thanks so much for writing this.

I wish my hubby could see this. He and his brother lost their mother to cancer right before Christmas in 1989 and their dad in 1996.

Today we are road tripping to Tampa to see his brother and spend Christmas with them. It means more than ever now because brother-in-law just had polyps removed that turned out to be precancerous.

God bless all of you, and hold on to them tight.

James, hugs to you. You are a vital part of our GC family!

[wrigley]

I was looking up old holiday threads and this one bears bumping up. It's a reminder of sorts for me to be a little more kinder, patient, and understanding when it comes to family.

[PM_Mama00]

I agree with everyone in here. My whole extended family used to get together for every holiday... Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years. Every family had a designated holiday to do at their house but we were always together. Then when my cousins started having kids, they started celebrating on their own. Those were some of my favorite memories, and now they're gone. I used to love the holidays but now I kinda dread them.

My aunt passed away in March so it'll be weird not visiting her or her visiting us. We did spend a nice last New Year's Day together last year, playing cards and joking around. This year for Christmas Eve it's just me and my parents. We won't even have a normal Christmas Eve dinner. I'm gona miss those days.

[MysticCat]

One of the wisest posts I've ever seen on GC.

Merry Christmas, James!

Here's hoping everyone finds the real meaning in whatever holiday they may be celebrating.

[honeychile]

Thank you, James - that was so moving and profound! I see you live in PA. If you'd like to join our family for Christmas, you're more than welcome to join us.

My daddy died 3 1/2 years ago, and how I regret the kvetching I did on What in the World to Get Him!! I'd do almost anything to think of something other than a blanket of roses for his grave. My mother's health started going downhill about a year later, and my uncle's too weak to leave the house for Christmas. I used to tease that we could have a family reunion in a linen closet, but it's not so funny anymore...

Our family has grown by one dog, one very loving, cute, and funny dog who has brought us - especially my mother! - a world of joy. He is seriously keeping my mother going!

Thank you again, James, for your lovely thoughts, and making me think about what I have, instead of have not. You've blessed my Christmas already!




PS - and I'm sincere about dinner. We're low key, high calorie when it comes to holiday dinners, but if you think you could handle that, PM me.

[icelandelf]

Happy Holidays GC

and {{{hugs to James}}}

[BetteDavisEyes]

Happy Holidays to everyone on GreekChat!

I normally anticipate drama, anger, and some sort of family fight breaking out during the holidays. This year, I look forward to spending time with my family and thanking God for my time with them.
Some of you (who read my lj) know that only brother & his girlfriend were in a horrible car accident this past weekend. How they walked away from it with their life is a miracle and I am not taking him or any of my family members for granted. I'm grateful he's alive and here to spend this holiday season with us.


{{hugs}} to James for posting this years ago and thanks to those who faithfully bump it each year. I always look forward to reading it but this year, it has taken on a special meaning for me.