A Holiday Thought from someone with no living family - Page 2

Peaches-n-Cream · #16 12-27-2002, 02:03 AM

James, I am sorry to read about your parents. Thank you for shedding a little light on what is important, especially at this time of year.

justamom · #17 12-27-2002, 07:52 AM

What to say........ nothing that hasn't already been said. Found this a little late, but a year hold many meaningful dates for people. We should try to carry your message in our hearts all the days of the year.

To those of you who have sadness and pain in your heart, I for one believe you will be reunited one day and the joy will be astounding.

sororitygirl2 · #18 12-29-2002, 11:27 PM

I can't say anything to make things better, but I'm thinking of you.

FiReKraCkEr · #19 12-29-2002, 11:40 PM

I know, somewhat, how James feels...

I didn't lose my parents to death, but I did lose them in my life because of differences in our beliefs (Sorry, don't want to get into it) It's hard to see how happy families are around this time of year, when I know it should be that way with me and my family.

Thank God I have my adopted family and my KD sisters....life would be a much colder place without them.

James, I want to wish you a wonderful holidays. You know I think you ROCK!!!

Ivory

Tom Earp · #20 12-30-2002, 12:00 AM

Yo Bro, I can feel your pain!

Spent 5 hours on the road to be with my Dad who is, how do I say it, My Dad! Left shop at 5:00 Sat., Got Back Home at 11:00 next day! Is He a pain in the Butt, Yes!

We hug when I get there and shake hands when I leave! I am Mature, He is old at 86 but still my Dad!

But Remember the Good Times that you had with your Folks. I lost my Mother 4 years ago and had to be the one to put her in a nurseing home! I died a bit when I did that!

Cherise what you had and the memories that you have, they never die!

Insite on Me:

Why do I love Meg Ryan, who smiles and shows her gums and has saggy boobs!

But I love Tia Carrea more, as well as Aloho girls!

FICKLE PICKLE!

Dont know why I saaiidd that! But life sucks right now!

Good Night and God Bless!

shopgirl · #21 12-30-2002, 01:26 AM

Dear James,

I couldn't agree with you more. I spent the holidays in New York this year. That has been my dream for the past several years b/c it's New York for crying out loud, but also b/c my entire family lives there. However, what brought me to New York was not my desire to be there, but b/c my grandmother passed away. We held a two day wake and then on the third day we buried her. It was an emotional three days, to say the least. Although it was sad in so many ways, I was thankful for the chance to see my entire family again, I was grateful for still having them. It was bitter sweet. Then, to top it off, we had a white Christmas...the first in thirty years! Makes me wonder...

Although the holiday season is coming to an end, my heart is still with you. You have my sympathies.
I hope you have been able to surround yourself with good friends and good food.

James, your future wife and children are going to be some of the luckiest people on earth.

Hootie · #22 12-30-2002, 01:35 AM

James,
I hope you had a wonderful holiday. I know my mom preaches how important family is and I live my life that way. Family is the thing that keeps a person going. It's like your own support system and cheering section. I love my family with all my heart. It took me a while to understand that, but with time and a little growing up I understood what my mom was talking about.
So, consider us your family and know that we're here for ya too.

#23 12-21-2004, 07:03 PM

Last night, my mom and I got into a horrible fight -- things got violent and harsh words were exchanged. This morning I tried my darndest to find this thread because I needed a reminder of what this time of year is about. I haven't quite been in the spirit, but reading this thread every year always sets me straight.

And James, I know that we don't get along, but I just wanted you to know that this is one of my most favorite threads ever and I enjoy reading it every year.

Susan_Renee · #24 12-21-2004, 07:38 PM

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 · #25 12-21-2004, 07:47 PM

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 · #26 12-21-2004, 08:11 PM

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 · #27 12-22-2004, 12:12 AM

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 · #28 12-22-2004, 12:28 AM

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 · #29 12-22-2004, 03:01 AM

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 · #30 12-22-2004, 04:23 AM

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.