Pre Christmas support thread - if full of seasonal joy, please start your own threads

I have been feeling a bit down about this Christmas too - not for any particular reason like some of you. Just that the fun and laughter has gone, as the family has dwindled, compared to how it used to be, and it all seems a bit of a chore to me now.

But when I read some of your sad stories, and how you're making the best of it bravely, I feel ashamed of myself. Some have gone though such terrible times, it doesn't bear thinking about.

I do think this type of thread is really helpful because sometimes we need to let out our feelings of despair etc to somebody, yet don't want to upset friends/family by speaking this way. That's where GN is great, there is always someone kind and empathic to talk to.

You've made me decide to count my blessings, and make a real effort to have as best a time as I can. So thanks to you all and I wish you as peaceful and contented a Christmas as possible, and much happiness in the future. xx.

You're welcome Annie I'll join you in sending thoughts of support and hope to your daughter in the hope that she can see a brighter future.

Look forward to chatting with you on the 25th x

Find even going to the shops for necessities quite stressful.
Third Christmas of denied contact with grandson,my ex husband very poorly in nursing home (we've kept amicable relationship) and both my
DDs marriages are having stressful times.
Another old friend died this week .
But all this is nothing compared to the sadness of phoenix and positivepam
Love and hugs to you all

Anniebach The days are short - so here's some to hold.

(((hugs))) Anniebach

Thank you Agus, my daughter has been so ill for three years , I can but pray she will be well again, I miss her so much.

I will pop in here on the 25th, thank you x

Anniebach I sincerely hope your daughter gets well again and last years heartache fades into the past. Also hope your other daughter hears some positive news soon and this season passes calmly for you.

Glad you didn't hesitate too long because you did choose the right thread and on the 25th this is where you can pop in again, anytime, for a chat.

I did hesitate over posting on this thread, I am so glad I did, such kindness and understanding, I thank you all X

Anniebach

'Echoes of past laughter' that's it exactly Annie (((hugs)))

May I add my voice to the wishes that are being sent to you in your sadness, and my hopes hat the sun will shine again for you.

Annie please accept a virtual Cwtch, cariad.

Note to self. Remember to call the wife of my dear friend who died a couple of weeks ago. I know her sons will be home from uni - but it is going to be a tough few weeks for her.

* Annie* A big X to you

Anniebach such sadness for you, and I join others with their thoughts for you at this time.

Anniebach....I can only echo the others' comments. Your grief and sadness is raw and despairing. I do so hope that your Christmas will pass gently and that the next year will be a kinder one. xx

Anniebach

Anniebach so wonderfully put that I shall repeat it:

'Acceptance is easy to teach but so very hard to learn.'

Anniebach It is such a dull dreich time of year as well and curtains are closed at 4.00 so it is a long evening when you are feeling low. Christmas and New Year are often a time for taking stock and looking at all the sad things that have happened over the past year (as well as the happy ones). Take care of yourself.

Anniebah . You have such sadness to cope with.

Very hard for you with poor daughter ill.

In throes of chest infection I a feeling very emotional and find it so hard to stop my thoughts going to past.

I look forward to feeling better and. My lovely son and partner plus 2 stepsons coming Xmas day.

The ache from missing My estranged daughter and our 3 Granddaughters including new baby is almost too much to bear at times.

Seems I am wallowing, I will spend Christmas alone, will miss my husband, my parents, my younger daughter has moved quite a distance away, my elder daughter is ill, has been for three years and I cannot reach her, three days before last Christmas she took an overdose, thank God she survived, I adore my Grandchildren but not seeing them Christmas Day is I think easier because seeing them and their Dad without my beautiful daughter is too painful. I also fear my daughter may harm herself again. I feel sadness too for my younger daughter who has to accept yet another failed attempt of IVF, think it's her 12th. I should try to learn to be sensible and accept the 25th is just another day and stop any thoughts of past times when we were all together but strange how one can hear echoes of past laughter, I will also miss hearing the voice of my brother-cousin who died last week.

Acceptance is so easy to teach but so very hard to learn

Good move Wisewoman

Just bumping this in case some people have been put off and are scared of "wallowing". As someone said there are things that can't be fixed or put right but sharing does help.

There are those who have suffered such painful losses that to be 'rational' is simply impossible. Shakespeare knew, from personal experience, when he wrote
"Give sorrow words. The grief that does not speak
Whispers the o'er-fraught heart, and bids it break."

And virtual hugs for others too. (Sorry, I just skimmed the thread at first and have now read it all. Or almost all of it).

kitty