Well okay then universe. I hear you.
I got out the Christmas greens and wrapped the front porch railings, it looks nice. I put the two little white reindeer and placed them in the serenity garden next to the Japanese Maple and they look nice too. Then the wind started blowing yesterday and knocked down the reindeer. The bigger of the two - the one with the antlers, now has broken antlers - he looks like a floppy eared rabbit. The smaller of the two fell over and broke his neck. I put them both back upright and looked at them. They are pitiful with their floppy antlers and crooked neck. I think they are just perfect. They remind me of me a little, broken but still standing.
I wasn't going to send Christmas cards this year - we always bought personalized cards with a picture of our lastest adventure. How many trips around the world did those Santa Hats make? Well, I ordered cards last night. Some people may think they are creepy but I like them. I used the last picture I took of Jim (2 days before he died)
- walking down the beach with the dog.. walking into the light.. and I added the caption
Jim S***
July 7, 1958 - August 11, 2010
May your holidays be filled with wondrous moments; past, present and future.
So there.
I went shopping yesterday and I'm almost done with gifts for the kids. Not a lot - but enough. There are a couple of other special little touches I want to do - personal things of Jim's that I know they will hold dear.
Jim loved Christmas and I am going to honor him and his memory by making this Christmas about Christmas - the real Christmas.
I have plans to attend Mass on Christmas Eve and then we will all go to our good friends house for a late dinner. I ordered a prime rib yesterday and Anne and I will cook together in fellowship. We will drink a toast to Jim - to all the Christmases he made so special and over the top. I won't make it "over the top"... that was his job. But I will make it beautiful and memorable and peaceful.
Broken antlers and all.
I've seen this photo before, I think....you posted it shortly after his death, right? Anyway, I didn't notice it before but doesn't it look like there is a stairway (as corny as it sounds now) to heaven sort of next to his left shoulder?
ReplyDeleteRebecca - Yes I have posted this picture before. It does look like a stairway, but what it really is is an overturned lifeguard stand. One thing I noticed is that Jim is leaving no footprints in the sand. Only the dog has left footprints.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I see this photo I get goosebumps...I remember when you posted this photo shortly after he passed and thinking he left no footprints. I think it's a great photo for your cards. I love how you are honoring him by taking part in the holidays in your own special ways. Bless you. XX
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful photo. I'd be pleased to get that card.
ReplyDeleteI love the photo you chose for the card! I think it's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYou honor him well, my friend.
ReplyDeleteits a beautiful photo, our reindeer also fell over and broke its antler, but i refuse to give up on it too ! Glad to see you are going to be celebrating the real christmas, peace and goodwill, bless you.
ReplyDeleteI think the card sounds perfect. It is, after all, celebrating all that was. I am glad that you are celebrating Christmas. I have thought of you often, and wondered how you fared.
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ReplyDeleteI chuckle as I think of the floppy eared rabbit. Be sure to keep him around for Easter. Make him be the mascot of two holidays.
ReplyDeleteI think those cards are lovely. That is the card someone pulls out every year. A way to have Jim always be a special part of Christmas.
tamis
I think you card is perfect, as well as how you plan to honor Jim in your celebration of Christmas.
ReplyDeleteYou are so strong. I'm glad you're celebrating the season.
ReplyDeleteA lovely idea for the Christmas cards. I admire your strength and am glad that you are moving forward. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings, Marguerite
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I think it all sounds like a PERFECT way to manage the holiday! You've been in my thoughts, and I simply wanted you to know that! Love you!! Janine XO
ReplyDeleteGood choice, I remember that photo, too. I doubt anyone who knows you and loves you will find anything creepy about it.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful photo and a beautiful message. You are being so strong and thoughtful and creative as you move forward... you inspire me.
ReplyDeleteI love this picture and the holiday card you are sending. They are both beautiful. I am so glad that you have plans - the holidays are so hard. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds absolutely perfect. I love the card. Again - perfect.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful. Really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love that picture....I am so glad that you are finding the strength to move forward with the holidays.
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