Special Thoughts

So true ga. We remembered my lovely sister and wonderful nephew in the midst of our Christmas, both of whom died too early this year, and left gaping holes that will never be filled. My nephew's brother, a musician, composed a beautiful song for his brother, poignantly wishing for one more chance to talk with him. On a happier note, he and my son both have babies due in 2013.

On Christmas eve a sober toast was made by my son in law in memory of his two good friends, one of whom was killed in Afghanistan on Christmas Eve 2008 and the other of course being my daughter's husband, killed in 2010. On Boxing day I visited my son in law's grave and spent some time there pondering on loss of all kinds; death, broken relationships, redundancy, the loss of good health.....there will be few of us who haven't experienced some sort of loss.....and I decided that, painful as it is, it's the difficulties in life that test us and help us to appreciate the good things that we have.

phoenix a lovely message.
maniac that is so, so sad.
My heart went out also to the family of the two young boys killed on the M6 on Christmas Day and their aunt who also lost her life. Life is cruel, and unfair

That's really sad Maniac. (((hugs))) and for you, your family and the family of the woman who died.

Oh Maniac how sad

Maniac and a comforting (hug)

On Xmas day evening after a quiet happy day with DD1 and SIL a phone call gave us the devastating news that a long term close friend of theirs had drowned at sea off Hastings during a morning dip.She was a friend of SIL from drama school days. I'm told she was a zany,fun-loving,energetic person.Leaves a husband (who tried to save her) and a 16 yr-old son.
Many tears,reminiscences and phone calls during rest of my stay.but they still were very caring to me.
I got back home last evening in spite of further floods and delays.
I'm thinking constantly of this bereaved family.
I'm grateful that at least my GS is alive and well even if I can't see him.

phoenix, what a very kind message, please may I ditto it and also add all those families who have lost loved ones in the armed forces, a subject close to my heart having a son in the R.A.F. I have felt very lucky myself this year, that although having rather dodgy health I & OH have managed to get away to our eldest son for Christmas and the younger son in the R.A.F. will be joining us with his family tomorrow, can't think when we were last all together, he has been away so often over Christmas, so as said I'm thanking my guardian angels for us all being together this year. Hoping all Gransnetters will have a Happy and Peaceful time.

They most certainly can, crimson. For some reason many things are touching me this year, too. I've been feeling so grateful for things that are good in my life.
phoenix, that was such a sensitive post. xx

Before Christmas is over can I just use this thread to mention my internet chum, Alan....his internet pals [and there were many] lost him at Christmas time a few years ago. I watched Dr Who in his memory but, as there was just the S.O.and myself having a meal together this year, didn't raise a glass to him which I usually do. Internet friendships can be very special, can't they?

phoenix thank you; I echo your words. xx

Happy Christmas to you as well Phoenix.

Yes; a time to think of lots of things...those we love that are with us, those we love that are not with us; and spare a corner of our hearts for everyone. A lovely thought, phoenix.

What a kind thought, phoenix. Please may I join you too, in sending best wishes to those who have to find a new way to keep Christmas when it is so difficult.

Thank you Phoenix.....my thoughts go out too.

Kind thoughts phoenix and for you too.

(hugs) Phoenix