Holidays are among the hardest times for those who have lost a loved one. They are so fraught with family ritual, the layered memories of years.

Sometimes we feel free to talk about it - indeed, there's no way not to talk about it if the grief is fresh.

But after some time has passed, when the grief is in the background but not really yet assimulated into our lives, it may be even harder - the dull ache of absence, and everyone trying to be cheerful.

One year - the first year we tried to go back to our usual Christmas patterns - the unspoken gloom hovered behind our attempts at joy and repartee. Suddenly, almost as though by unspoken direction, we gathered in a circle, our arms around one another, and acknowledged our grief. Then we could get on with Christmas.

Healing After Loss Martha Whitmore Hickman


Special hugs to Goofy, Addy and BMW.

thanks my friend....

Today I realized why I have been so darn unmotivated... so darn tired... so darn depressed.... my throat is sore and one of my eyes is itchy and runny... and once again, I had that "Ah-ha! silly Addy... you were getting sick again"... and sure enough, looking back... it all makes sense...

Physical is so tied up with the mental... my resistance was down... and I caught a cold...

So now begins the battle ... at one of the busiest times of the year...

And I realize...

this, too... shall pass.

Alffe - I love you

And I love you also Addy.....feel better!

Addy i am so in the same boat as you are.... since mom has died i've had 2 sinus infections, bronchitis and pnumonia..... ugh........ I'm never sick....

(((((Addy & Goofy & BMW)))))

my stepmom's cancer was the theme last xmas. we lost her in april. this xmas the theme is my own cancer. my friends tell me i should be jumping for joy because they caught it in time. really it just dredges up too many sad memories. and i am still weak from the surgery. my heart feels for y'all who have also lost loved uns.

I'm sending you positive thoughts for strength and good health tied.

Me too, Tied.

((((tied))))