Christmas 2023

[simpsontruckdriver]

To recap the last 3 Christmases:

1. My wife Julia was in the hospital over Christmas 2020, so I did not have Christmas Spirit (or a tree).
2. After her malpractice death at age 49 in January 2021, I had no Christmas Spirit or a tree that year.
3. Exactly 370 days after her death, my dad (1950s US Army veteran) died, it was his time to go. So, I did not have Christmas Spirit in 2022.

This year, once the malpractice lawsuit was settled (before we went to court), I went through Grief Counseling. This year, I have regained Christmas Spirit! I bought this 36" tree from Dillard's, and next to it is my wife's urn, so she can spend it with me.

As a side note, if you can get $0 Grief Counseling, DO IT! You may think you are grieving OK, but chances are, you will need a "helping hand".

 

[AnnieBets]

So glad you got the help and the spirit back. Have a very Merry Christmas

 

[HedonisticEpicurean]

Good advice on counseling. Glad you are feeling more into the holiday spirit again.

Embrace the festive Christmas spirit and craft new, cherished memories. Here's my recommendation: indulge in something exceptionally delightful for yourself this year.

 

[marmite]

I’m sorry to hear of such loss in your life, thank you for sharing that counseling has helped you and that this will be a brighter Christmas for you.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas.

 

[joestein]

To recap the last 3 Christmases:

1. My wife Julia was in the hospital over Christmas 2020, so I did not have Christmas Spirit (or a tree).
2. After her malpractice death at age 49 in January 2021, I had no Christmas Spirit or a tree that year.
3. Exactly 370 days after her death, my dad (1950s US Army veteran) died, it was his time to go. So, I did not have Christmas Spirit in 2022.

This year, once the malpractice lawsuit was settled (before we went to court), I went through Grief Counseling. This year, I have regained Christmas Spirit! I bought this 36" tree from Dillard's, and next to it is my wife's urn, so she can spend it with me.

As a side note, if you can get $0 Grief Counseling, DO IT! You may think you are grieving OK, but chances are, you will need a "helping hand".
View attachment 85019

So sorry for all the hardships and loss you have had to endure. I hope that you continue to overcome your grief and find happiness again.

 

[emeryjre]

Merry Christmas
Thanks for sharing
Grief can be debilitating
Your sharing can help other people recover from their loss

 

[Patri]

Merry Christmas. At least we have the hope and promise from the first Christmas. Life does get rough and you have pulled yourself through. Keep going, and may you find much happiness.

 

[Cornell]

You've had a rough few years. I, too, have not had a tree in several years b/c of this , that , and the other things.

Like you, I'm back on it. My daughter was home from college over Thanksgiving and we put up a tree on the screen porch. This way my neighbors & passerbys can enjoy it too

 

[Cornell]

To recap the last 3 Christmases:

1. My wife Julia was in the hospital over Christmas 2020, so I did not have Christmas Spirit (or a tree).
2. After her malpractice death at age 49 in January 2021, I had no Christmas Spirit or a tree that year.
3. Exactly 370 days after her death, my dad (1950s US Army veteran) died, it was his time to go. So, I did not have Christmas Spirit in 2022.

This year, once the malpractice lawsuit was settled (before we went to court), I went through Grief Counseling. This year, I have regained Christmas Spirit! I bought this 36" tree from Dillard's, and next to it is my wife's urn, so she can spend it with me.

As a side note, if you can get $0 Grief Counseling, DO IT! You may think you are grieving OK, but chances are, you will need a "helping hand".
View attachment 85019

Love the painting behind your tree. Merry Christmas.

 

[SPG900NY]

We're back too. We lost mom in spring of 2022 at age 79 to Lewy Body and it was pretty devastating. Dad, after 54 years of marriage and a few years of being her full-time caregiver, was in a pretty bad way for a good stretch. He found a companion a few months ago and my family went up and had a wonderful Thanksgiving with them and are looking forward to visiting over Christmas as well. Glad things are looking up for so many here, and for anyone currently going through challenges, I wish you strength and peace this holiday season, and brighter times and happy vacations in your future.

 

[zentraveler]

As a side note, if you can get $0 Grief Counseling, DO IT! You may think you are grieving OK, but chances are, you will need a "helping hand".

Highly recommend grief counseling even if you don't have access to it for $0. Insurance may cover it and it is very worth doing. Very sorry about your wife.

 

[clifffaith]

So sorry for your losses. I am glad this will be a brighter Christmas for you.

 

[Talent312]

Our tree is up and with my stepson's help, well decorated.
Next up, the job of mailing cards and wrapping presents.
We just had a major delivery from the Amazon Santa.

 

[DaveNV]

Hope you continue to recover from your losses, and can find some happiness this year. The new job will surely help. Disney will do that to you.

Dave

 

[WinniWoman]

So sorry for your losses. Things are really never the same when those we love pass.

I find I don’t like the holidays much anymore. But we keep a small lighted Xmas tree on the front porch by the front door and string some lights along the roof line there and a wooden snowman welcome sign. That’s it. Nothing inside.

Try to enjoy everything as best you can. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you! There’s always a lot to be grateful for.

 

[slip]

Sometimes it takes time to move forward in life. Glad to see you doing well. Have a Merry Christmas.

 

[Dori]

So glad that you are beginning to move forward after such losses. Take strength and comfort from all your precious memories.

Dori