I've been really sad these last few days & I blame it on the change of weather/seasons! Today is a beautiful day here in OH & the bikers are out in full force (either for a poker run or just the "end of Summer" ride)....no matter what the reason seeing all these bikes & hearing the roar, makes my gut turn! It always brings to mind that my brother & dad would be out biking today. And w/the holidays coming up just breaks my heart! So do I have any advice on getting through the holidays?? Hhhmmm---I'll share w/you my story
When my brother died in 6/01, those first holidays following were very hard on the entire family! I remember the pain in my dad & mom's eyes. The pictures to look back on make me sad to look at. However, life does go on & the following holidays got a little easier. Christmas 05 was the first back to normalcy holiday we had since my brother had died. It was a weird Christmas; just a glorious time w/the entire family. The smile on my dad's face in those pictures break my heart (that was his last Christmas w/us). He was saluding w/my sister's father in law from Columbia who also died this past year! Coincidence of loosing both those men last year??? I think so.
So Christmas 06 my sister thought we should all "get away"---boy was that the worst thing we could've done!!! What's right for some people isn't always right for others. We all grieve differently.
Her family, my mom & my family went to Florida for 1 1/2 wks & it was just not right feeling. My dad wouldn't have wanted that. He loved Christmas & loved playing Santa & he loved getting gifts himself (as long as it was for his Harley or his team-Steelers) so being away from home was not enjoyable. I didn't feel him w/us. Even though I got to spend time w/his brother who lives there, it hurt & made it worse.
So this Christmas I'm going to make it a beautiful time here in my home. Last year I didn't decorate much & my kids were hurt by that---now I see that. So I promised them a wonderful time this year at home where Grandpa & Keith will be w/us!!! That's what my dad & brother would want!!!
As painful as the holidays are w/o our loved ones, we do get through them! I just have to remind myself how they used to be w/laughter & try to carry it on.....It's tough. I'd love to hear ideas myself from others.....Kelly