... This will be the first Christmas in my 70 years, that Mom & Dad will not celebrate the holidays in their own home. My Mom is still recovering at the nursing home from her October 6th fall. The level of care for my Dad has exceeded what Mr. Outback & I can handle ourselves. He has joined Mom for the time being - the hours leading up to his move were some of the most difficult we have experienced. What the future holds is an unknown place we have yet to enter.
2014 has been a year filled with so much - visiting with Dave and Jena during our 5th trip through Canada and Alaska; meeting new friends...sorrow at hearing that far away family members are gone; keeping up with all of you who visit this little blog and share your creative ideas so generously. There have been happy times and sadness - yet we can all keep each other close even though many miles and even oceans separate us.
Once again, boxes are brought up from the basement - years of gathered ornaments and memories are hung on our fresh tree - and it is like unpacking renewed Joy everytime -
I remember the timeless letter of Fra Giovanni who wrote in A.D. 1513 -
"I salute you! There is nothing I can give you which you have not; but there is much that, while I cannot give, you can take.
No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today. Take Heaven.
No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present instant. Take Peace.
The gloom of the world is but a shadow; behind it, yet within our reach is joy.
Take Joy!
And so, at this Christmas time, I greet you, with the prayer that for you, now and forever, the day breaks and shadows flee away..."
Wishing each of you a New Year filled with Joy and Peace from our house to yours.....
Pat
Posted with Blogsy
WOW!! I am amazed at older folks who still have their parents with them. I am 60 and my dad departed this world when I was 34, my mom when I was 46 and my DH when I was 58! :-( So much loss makes it hard to find joy much of the time. Christmas is the hardest time.
ReplyDeleteHugs for your sorrows and cheers to your joys. May your Christmas and New Years be filled with happiness.
ReplyDeleteBe on the lookout for a box coming your way! Should arrive by Wednesday. A little Christmas cheer for you and Mr. Outback! xo
ReplyDeleteA beautiful post Pat. I found a lot of comfort in your words, and despite everything, yes, there is still so much joy to have and share. X
ReplyDeleteLovely post. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteYou are in my thoughts and prayers. Hope the weather is better than last year up where you are, so visiting with your mom and dad is easy. Hugs :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful post Pat. Caring for our elderly parents can be a mixture of sadness and joy. Take comfort in the joy.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post Pat, I hope you have a lovely Christmas
ReplyDeleteThank you Pat. I hope that 2015 is an easier year for both of us!
ReplyDeleteThe holiday was the same for us, Mom had been in the hospital for three months near death but pulled though. While she is home she is still limited and cannot travel to our place for Christmas and I used all my vacation and unpaid leave taking care of her out of state. It is a very strange feeling, isn't it. I hope it all works out ok for you.
ReplyDeletePat, I love your words, they are so true and comforting! I'll be keeping you in my thoughts!
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