Christmas 2014

(Remembering)

 

If you're traveling to the north country fair

Where the winds hit heavy on the borderline

Remember me to one who lives there

For she once was a true love of mine.


Bob Dylan,
"Girl of The North Country"

December 12, 2014,  Two Years!

Twenty four months since things were "normal". .

Twelve since she went away.

My world was turned upside down and shaken.

Left me standing amid the rubble, bewildered, confused, scared.
Weddings and funerals bring out the best and the worst.

One of my greatest fears was that her passing would generate a family rift.
Quite the opposite!
My family, extended family, mostly "in-laws", since my blood kin are far away. 

My "support group", friends, relatives, others..

Christmas seemed like a good opportunity to express my gratitude for your support, without which I doubtless would have been overcome with self pity and turned inward, a bitter old grump.

A grump, maybe, but not bitter.
Life is what it is.
One does not stand still without decay.

Thanks to the medical profession, I am reasonably healthy, 
the pump's repaired and the headlights are scheduled.
The rest will just have to get by. 

I still work, have purpose, still drive, etc.

Thankfully, I am warm, comfortable, well fed.

And grateful. But sad.

I still miss her, but remembering no longer brings tears. (most of the time).

Christmas will be different, I know,
but I will enjoy it, eat too much, and probably gain weight.
Maybe have a drink or two.

Just wanted to say "Thank You!" to all who helped keep me sane
and to your families for the secondary support.  
Thanks to you, I am doin' fine.

Have a very Merry Christmas; a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

 

All the best,

 

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

Robert Frost

"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"