Christmas 2003 should have been a very sad one.....my mum had been diagnosed with a terminal illness....and we knew it would be her last one.......but in many ways it was the exact opposite.
There were 14 of us for Christmas Day....my brother and his family joined us for the first time in many years......mum had all her grandchildren around her.......and she had a wonderful time......and so did we.
Strangely it was a good thing we knew it would be our last one together as it meant it turned into a celebration.
Christmas truly weaved its magic.
This is my post for Sian's Storytelling Sunday....see the others here.
29 comments:
I think it is wonderful that you can look back upon that Christmas and remember such a happy time, I can imagine that your Mum was thrilled no end!
I know it is early, but Merry Christmas to you all over there - I hope this December is a fantastic month for you.
That took some courage for you all i'm sure and I am glad you have those positive memories of such a difficult time. Merry Christmas :)
I'm so glad you could find the positive in a difficult situation. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
A very poignant page for you Jacky but well done on telling the story.
Seasons Greetings to you and your family
Kathyk
I love a celebration of life! Beautiful!
And what wonderful memories you will always have. Her smile says everything.
Hope you have a good Christmas this year too.
Such a wonderful memory for you and for her and a special time as a family to celebrate. A lovely memory to share for Christmas and a reminder of how important every moment with our family is.
Enjoy the holiday season.
Hi Jacky ~ I'm struggling for words right now...you know... My mom was planning to come to Arizona this year for Christmas but her treatments won't allow for it. Knowing that this will most likely be her last Christmas is hard, and I can only hope that I will look back on this time years from now and know we made the best of our time together. Thanks for sharing your story today. xo
It sounds like a Christmas to remember - bless you, and Merry Christmas.
I think my own story today has probably already let you know how much I know what you mean and what it took you to post this one today. Funny how we remember some CHristmasses in a way we never expected we would be able to..
Your stories and support this year have meant a lot Jacky and it has been a pleasure consolidating our friendship over another whole year. A Merry Christmas to you and the family!
Oh how I know only too well how it is to plan a Christmas knowing that for someone you love it will be their last and I am so happy for you that it ended up being a truly memorable one.
Another heartwarming but heartbreaking tale today! I often reflect at funerals that it's a shame our family didn't get together a bit more often to celebrate while the deceased was still alive ... glad that your Mum was able to enjoy the festive season to the full!
Merry Christmas ♥
Wow - thinking about the connection between you, Deb and Sian has been little teary eyed. When I look at the photos of my dad's last Christmas (he suffered from terminal cancer for over a year), I tend to focus on how shrunken he had become. But your posts makes me also think about the big smile on his face. I miss him still. Hugs for posting your story.
Rinda
Thank you for sharing such a heartwarming story with us. Merry Christmas to you and your family xx
a very special tale, it made me really think about Christmas day for 2011 and wonder if I should try and change our plans but I think we will still have special memories from getting with family on Boxing day thanks Jacky xxx
That is absolutely beautiful Jacky!!
Hugs Kristel
Jacky, I believe there is something beautiful about knowing that someones life is going to end and that is the time you have with them to make things right and good and special. Thank you for sharing your precious memories of that very special Christmas. Yes I too have been there x Merry Christmas Jacky x
I am so glad that the memories of that Christmas are such good ones! I knew my Grandma's last Christmas and we were able to have the whole family there - she was pretty sick, but an ambulance brought her to my home for the day and I'll always be grateful for that last holiday with her!
A very Merry Christmas to you Jacky!!
Sounds like you had a great Christmas. Sometimes it's good to know so that you can say everything you want to, do everything you can and celebrate a life
Wonderful story with such special memories. Hope you have a lovely Christmas.
I had a very similar experience the Christmas of 1997. The full complement of grandchildren hadn't even been born yet, but all the ones that were at that time were there! I'm sure it felt as wonderful for your Mum as it did for mine.
I know - a sad experience can turn into a beautiful memorie.
Beautifully told.
Another heartwarming story Jacky...I think it's wonderful to be able to look back with such happy memories, even though they are tinged with such sadness
Alison xx
I wish we had of known when it was my Mum's last Christmas Jacky. How nice for you all and for your dear Mum.
Jacky, Thank you so much for sharing such a personal story, The Sweet One's grandmother passed on last Christmas night. As the holidays approach you have helped me know how to comfort her as she feels that loss this year.
That is just beautiful, Jacky. Wish we had known our mother was having her last year.
How beautiful Jacky. So glad you were all able to get together for it and make it something special. We didn't know at the time but I am so glad we all were able to be together for my Mum's last Christmas.
Another heartwarming tale, like Sian's, this month. So glad you could create special memories that Christmas xx
I've only just got round to reading your post Jacky and found it really touching. I'm so glad that last Christmas turned into such a positive occassion, I'm sure that's exactly how your Mum would have wanted it to be.
Hoping that this Christmas will also bring wonderful memories for you and your family. xx
Post a Comment