Needless to say, Christmas is really hard this year. I am trying my best to not be a "downer" for the little ones but I don't think I am doing too good of a job of it.
I love Christmas! I love all of the crowds of people, all of the hustle and bustle. It just seems there are things that pop up that completely make me lose it all - like a song or a smell or a place I go that John and I used to go.
I understand that this is all part of the process but that does not make it any easier. I am so thankful for my Tiffany who is my rock and seems to sense my every mood and phase I am going thru. She lets no one get in my way. She really is a precious granddaughter but she can be a bear sometimes if she thinks someone is not treating me right. LOL
But, then I stop and remember the real reason for this blessed season - the birth of our Lord. John was undoubtedly the most faithful Christian I have ever known and I try to remember this when I "lose" it. I am so thankful for a God who can comfort me and tell me it's ok if I cry or whatever crazy thing I am doing at the time. God is so good.
Hope you are all enjoying this festive season. It truly is one of the most wonderful times of the year.
Judy
Thinking of you sweet Judy! I remember the first couple of times I visited the grocery store after my Mark passed, talk about losing it! My grandchildren have been my rock and my purpose as well! It is amazing how God places those little angels in our lives and we pray that we are a blessing to them, but they become a blessing to us! Praying for you as you walk this very difficult year of firsts! Bless you! Cindy
ReplyDeleteHi Judy,
ReplyDeleteSo glad Sweet Cindy reached out to you. She of all of us knows exactly what you are going through. I know you are a strong women and will carrying on but please know I will pray for your strength from God as you encounter the emotional downs you must go through. So happy your grandchildren bless you and keep you in so many ways.
Hugs,
Kris
sending you a big hug, Judy. how wonderful that Jesus' birth enables us to spend eternity with Him and our loved ones!
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you during this first Christmas without your beloved husband, Judy. I wish you comfort and peace.
ReplyDeleteOh Judy I know it's so hard, but John will always be there looking down on you. So glad that you have your granddaughter to help you in this time of sorrow.
ReplyDeleteI wish you peace and comfort.
Mary
xoxo I'm so sorry. Sending you a hug and prayers. You are so blessed to have your grandchild and your faith.
ReplyDeleteI know it will be hard. But what a blessing to know that John is in Heaven. What a wonderful granddaughter you have to be your rock. Lots of prayers and thoughts being sent your way.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Dianne
Christmas is such a hard time when we've lost a loved one. After my mom died I was surprised at when I'd be overcome with grief, it might be just the simplest thing that would remind me of her and I'd be in tears. So glad you have your granddaughter to help you out.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a sweet soul. Wishing you a merry Christmas Judy.
ReplyDeleteOh, Judy, you're in my prayers and I cannot imagine how you must feel. I'm so thankful to know you have your family by your side to hold you up. Through your post, you are letting Jesus shine through! Blessings to you and just take it one day at a time.
ReplyDeleteShelia ;)
Dear Judy this is such a time of memories and so sad to be without your beloved John for the first Christmas, you will feel so emotional and rightly so. How wonderful that you have a lovely family, especially your dear grand daughter to love and support you. Thinking of you and sending a big hug.
ReplyDeleteHelen xox
So sorry to hear about your loss. This is my first time coming over here in quite awhile so I had no idea. It's funny because just this morning I sent out a prayer to all those who are struggling or suffering in any way as the holidays can be rough for many. I hope you find peace and God bless you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI keep you in my prayers sweet friend and I know it is a hard time. Some parts of missing someone never goes away but it sure helps to have family that loves you to help you get through the day to day things. I pray that you will have some joy from the season and from your precious little ones. Sweet hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteJudy, I can't imagine how hard this is for you the first Christmas without John and so soon! Your family and friends are all here for you and send you much much love.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Linda
Sending my best wishes to you in the hope that you can have as good a Christmas as possible. xx
ReplyDeleteDear Judy, keeping you in prayers for all these firsts we go through in loss of loved ones. Wishing you a peaceful and comforting time through it all.
ReplyDeleteYour courage is inspiring.
Sending hugs and prayers,
XO
My dear Judy, of course this is going to be hard for you - be patient with yourself and give yourself permission to grieve. There will be moments when the children's excitement and joy will be the perfect tonic for you. But in the end, you have to allow yourself to feel whatever you're feeling, to cry, to remember your beloved John. Sending you love and hugs, my dear friend.
ReplyDeletexo
Claudia
Judy, I'm so sorry for your heartache, the holidays are difficult when you've lost a loved one, especially someone like your John. Be gentle with yourself and only take on what feels right in your heart. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine how hard it must be to face the holidays without your beloved. I will keep you in my prayers. Hugs, Cheryl
ReplyDeleteYou are so precious to your family and especially that granddaughter, I would say!
ReplyDeleteI love your spirit and attitude and will pray for you as you grieve for your beloved. Thank you for reminding us that god is the great comforter...
I agree Christmas is wonderful, but also know this is a hard first one without your John. So nice to see the photo of him Brenda put in your banner. Just know he is watching over you and I believe he hears you if you want to talk to him. Hugs to you and your lovely Tiffany.
ReplyDeleteHolidays are so hard to deal with after the loss of a loved one. Sorry you are having to deal with this so soon.
ReplyDeleteSending a ((hug))
You are such a sweet lady Judy..I do know a bit of what you are feeling as my mother died two weeks before Christmas many years ago..She had already bought and wrapped our gifts..when it came time to open them we were all in tears..yes it was sad but I believe she was there with us and I believe John will be there with you..Take Care..
ReplyDeleteMy arms are wrapped around you giving you a hug. Do not feel bad,everything you feel if normal and right to feel. Both my parents are gone for over 10 years but I still miss then more at this time. It is a hard time for longing to be with our loved ones again or memories of missed time.
ReplyDeleteIt sucks...it just sucks. It seems like everywhere you go during this season, there are couples. Shopping, eating out at restaurants, on television. Knowing it's part of the process doesn't make it suck any less. Not an uplifting or spiritual message but I understand and can promise you that it gets better. Sending you love and prayers. Call me any time. XOXO
ReplyDeleteI have thought of you so many times during this Season, Judy...knowing you are grieving and knowing that there is no way to get around it-you just have to go through it.
ReplyDeleteLove that you have those you love to protect and comfort you. That, too, is a blessing.
Love that card wreath. I think that might be fun for the girls to make. xo Diana
Holidays are so hard - especially the first one - when you have lost a loved one. My heart goes out to you. I'm glad your sweet granddaughter is being so protective of you. God bless you and be with you. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThis is such a hard time. I want you to know you are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine your heartache Judy! So glad you have family to help you along this hard path.
ReplyDeleteYour faith shines through even in the hardest times. Thinking of you often.
ReplyDeleteStacey
You have every right to grieve, but your precious memories and assurance you will see him again some day because of God's love and grace through His Son Jesus will carry you through. Thanks for being a faithful witness. My prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if my comment posted or not... but.. you are my inspiration grandma.... I love you so very much.
ReplyDeleteI know this is a very hard time of year for you, Judy...and there is no right or wrong way to feel or act, everyone has their own way of dealing with things. I'm so glad that you have family, especially your granddaughter looking out for you. I will keep you in my prayers for comfort...xoxo
ReplyDeleteIt's okay to cry and "lose it" Judy.. You and John went through a horrendous illness. Just remember, now, he is not suffering anymore, but I know you are..
ReplyDeleteI hope some of your Christmas 2014 will be happy and memorable.. Wishing you happiness and good health in the new year..
Warm hugs,
Charlotte in Virginia
Keeping you close in my heart Judy, wish I could help to ease your sadness. Bless your granddaughter for watching over you, John would be so proud of her!
ReplyDeleteThank goodness for grandchildren, and feisty ones, to boot! I am thinking of you, sweet friend. Judy, I always picture you crafting, sewing, spending time with your adorable grands, and smiling...wishing you a peaceful week.
ReplyDeletexx
Poppy
Keeping you in my prayers.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Cindy
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs to you, Judy!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly how you feel Judy. I am busy and trying to stay in the spirit of the season and then suddenly a memory comes back and I feel sad. I was able to get through Thanksgiving without any tears but it was mostly because I was at my sister-in-law's house and and her daughters and granddaughters were so comforting. You are in my heart and my prayers. I'm always here if you need someone to lean on or talk to.
ReplyDeleteBig Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Hi Judy,
ReplyDeleteI am sending lots of hugs and prayers your way. I also wanted to tell you how beautiful the wreath and the trees on the wooden spools are Can you share how you made the wreath? Merry Christmas and God Bless!
Judy, no matter how difficult this Christmas is .... John's legacy is all of you - his beautiful family. We'll be praying for yo and sooooooooooo Happy you have Tiffany to keep everyone in check <3 oxox
ReplyDelete