A Holiday Thought from someone with no living family

[Buttonz]

*hugs James*

I lost my grandfather in 2002 and holidays have sucked ever since, esp Thanksgiving. I lost my aunt last year right after Thanksgiving which just made it worse. Both were like a dad/sister to me.

Please everyone make sure to tell you loved ones just how loved they are today!

[dukemama]

My thanks also to OTW for bumping this thread. My father passed away on November 9th and although he was 80 and in poor health, I'm still coming to grips with the fact that he's actually gone.

{{{HUGS}}} to all GCers who have suffered similar losses.

[jojapeach]

So touching... (((((HUGS JAMES)))))

I lost my older brother 9 years ago after he returned from an office Christmas party. The holidays, but we make the best of it because he left 3 kids and a wife behind. We don't dwell on it; we appreciate each other.

Hugs and blessings to all GCers during the holidays.

[1908Revelations]

Originally Posted by 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.

((((((HUGS JAMES)))))))

I hope you are having a great day!!!
This is THE BEST THREAD!

[Peaches-n-Cream]

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]

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]

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

[FiReKraCkEr]

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]

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]

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]

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.

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.

Originally Posted by OTW

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.

Time for the annual bump.

Years later, still one of my most favorite threads ever -- and everyone on GC should have the chance to read/re-read it.

Happy Holidays, GreekChat.

[aggieAXO]

I have missed this thread the last few years. Thank you James for reminding us what Christmas is all about. I usually have to work the holidays. This year I will be taking Chrsitmas off. Unfortunately, my grandmother died 2 months ago-it is sad that I did not get to spend time with her last Christmas. My family is shrinking and to put it frankly-it sucks. I will not get another Christmas off for many years (unless I quit my job) so I plan to enjoy this one as much as possible.

Merry Christmas everyone. Please stay safe.

[Jimmy Choo]

This post is soooo touching!! As someone who also has no living parents I can relate to what James was saying in his original post. Best wishes to James and all of GC this season!