What a year this has been. I can hardly believe Christmas is here again. Last year I barely remember the holidays. John had just passed and the first several months were just a fog for me.
Precious little Bentley was born,
the twins turned two - remember, they were born four months early, and have progressed so wonderfully,
Laynee turned four and is so grown up and such a good big sister. She still "talks" to John on a regular basis. We go to Braums at least once a week for ice cream. She always wants to sit in the same booth because that's where she sit with Poppy. She says every week that Poppy needs to be with her when she eats ice cream. Little ones tell it like it is.
Got to go see my favorite performer GARTH!
My sisters have been such a source of strength to me this year.
Winter turned into Spring and then Summer, Fall and now we are starting all over with Winter again.
I did a major remodeling job on my home of 47 years. Redid the kitchen, both bathrooms and this beautiful screened in back porch. Fun project.
Then, suddenly God opened the door to this new home for me. Tiffany and girls will be moving into my home of 47 years. It will still be in the family. I have a whole year of remodeling to do on the new home. It will be exciting.
Had fun doing a Christmas Home Tour with Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer and some very talented bloggers.
This has been a year of storms and rainbows. I don't know that anyone can explain to you the grief you go thru after losing your beloved of 47 years. I have good days and I have bad days. The precious little girls along with Tiffany keep me as busy as they can and now I have to new home to work on so I really don't have alot of spare time to think.
But, when I do, I remember how blessed John and I were to have the years together we did. We had alot of wonderful trips and did some really fun things together. I miss him so much and just have to remind myself that he is well and in no pain any longer. But, it still hurts so bad.
I am dreading the next few days but have decided that being with the little ones to watch them open their gifts and then spend some time by myself for a day or so. I have had all kinds of invitations but, I just want some time to reflect on John and I and the times and events we were so blessed with.
Here's hoping you and your family have a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy each and every minute you have with your loved ones. Bella and I wish you a very Merry Christmas.
Always remember the reason for the season!!
Love,
Judy and Bella
Love to you Judy. Hugs. More Hugs. Grandchildren hugs help a lot too.
ReplyDeleteJoy
Wishing you Peace and Joy this Christmas and always!
ReplyDeleteA very happy holiday to you and yours, Judy.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Merry Christmas, Judy.
ReplyDeleteDearest Judy, such a wonderful post, recapping this year of 2015...
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine the loss of a mate...I can't decide if it will be better for me to go first as Bill will be so lost...or me without him. That's God's decision, of course. It's also one reason HE sends us so many family and friend members that love us and help get us thru the hard times.
Have a blessed, busy and peaceful Christmas...and then the blessed time to yourself...we all need that sometimes.
xoxo
Hugs and all good thoughts to you this Christmas time. xx
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas. I know those little ones will keep you and your mind busy. They bring so much joy it's hard to be sad. Laynee is at that perfect age when children still feel the presence of those who have passed.
ReplyDeletexx, Carol
What a sweet post! I believe that the little ones will put a smile on your face and joy in your heart! Being with them will help you thru these days! Sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!
ReplyDeleteMarry Christmas, Judy, and may your time with the little ones and your time to reflect on your life with John bring you peace.
ReplyDeletexo,
Vickie
Hi Judy, your post was a beautiful year in review mixed with sweet moments and a tear in the eye too. I know spending time with the little ones opening presents and then some down time to reflect curled up with Bella is going to be perfect. John is always with you and I know that brings great comfort. Merry Christmas sweet friend and thank you for a great year of inspiration. All the best in 2016 on your new home projects and many blessings. xo
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Judy. I have appreciated your transparency as you share your life without your precious husband. You have walked with grace in a hard time and are a great example to all of us. I look forward to seeing your new house come to life.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas dear Judy! I enjoyed reading your 2015 review. You've been busy, and now you've projects to keep you busy in 2016 as you remodel your new home. It's nice that family will still be living in your old home that you lovingly fixed up.
ReplyDeleteI lost my dear husband (married 43 years) three years ago on the 9th. His birthday was this past Sunday. I am planning to be with his brother and his wife and their family on Christmas and I am looking forward to it. Grief still strikes whenever it happens and we just have to let it flow and go. You and I both had many years with our husbands and that is a blessing.
Keep those wonderful memories tucked in your heart and share with others when you feel like it. Love is a wonderful gift and it never dies.
Love, hugs and prayers ~ and have a lovely Christmas ~ FlowerLady
Have a wonderful Christmas with your lovely family.....Christmas hugs....
ReplyDeleteJudy lots of us widow ladies know what your talking about. I have adjusted and gone on with my life however my youngest sister was 49 when her husband died suddenly having surgery and 5 years later she still suffers where she won't be around family at Christmas.
ReplyDeleteYou have such adorable little grand kids to keep you busy and that house remodeling and them moving omgosh what a busy year
Merry Christmas' Janice
Janice is right..keeping busy is the key.
DeleteA blessed Christmas season. You were so blessed to have so many good years together, and you have so much to look forward to this year with your projects. You have really taken on a lot, but it will be fun too. It's so neat that your grandchildren can be close in your other home. I love the screened in porch, and the door is adorable.
ReplyDeleteJudy, you have had some very sweet times and some sad moments. I love the picture of you and your sisters-so cute, all three of you. Looking forward to your house project and know that will be keeping you busy!Wishing you a Merry Christmas.
ReplyDelete“You will lose someone you can’t live without,and your heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of your beloved. But this is also the good news. They live forever in your broken heart that doesn’t seal back up. And you come through. It’s like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly—that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp.” Anne Lamott Merry Christmas, Judy!!
ReplyDeleteDear Mary, you speak like one who has been in our shoes..wise words.
DeleteMerry Christmas Judy. I know you will never get over your loss of John and how much you miss him but so happy God has given you this sweet family to help with the loss. The fact that Laynee goes to the favorite ice cream place where her and grandpa did to visit with him gave me sweet chills. I think she knows he is right there next to her having that sweet treat. Oh my that is the sweetest heartwarming story I have ever heard. Judy thank you for your gift of friendship and sharing your life with all of us. May the new year bring so much joy to you and the girls. Gosh I wish I lived closer I would be so right in there helping you on the new re loves going on in your new home. Merry Christmas. Many hugs to you over the next few days.
ReplyDeleteKris
Merry Christmas to you, Judy! It sounds like you have a good handle on your emotions. I know how difficult it can be during the Holidays after losing your partner, and dealing with it in a real way is the best way. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteDearest Judy, I lost Patrick after 43 years of marriage. We met in high school and married at 17 and twenty. I wanted to die for the first two years. I felt I was cut in half and dragging just a part of me around and no one could see. I went to a "Grief Siminar" twice, trying to find a way to stop hurting. Like you, I threw myself into fixing up our home. It helps. YOu are only into your grief a year..and if it is anything like my first year..my heart cries for you. My husband died on December 15th at 3:30 in the morning. I remember that "fog" you speak of. It's been 19 years and I am not really well yet. I am still putting one step in front of the other.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are really trying to keep going..and that is all you can do.
Have the merriest Christmas you can..and know others understand your grief!
Love,
Mona
Judy, did I ever tell you that I believe when we see a rainbow that it is a gift? Thank you for the rainbow I received on your blog today. It looks like you were surrounded by all your wonderful family at special events this year. Your house is so charming. Love that front porch.
ReplyDeleteWishing you the Merriest Christmas, Judy. May the new year bring you so much joy.
love, ~Sheri
What a year...I give you so much credit for going forward despite your grief. How lucky were you to be loved and love for 47 years, so many people go through life and never find love at all. Yep, kids have a 6th sense all right and don't find it in the least awkward to be talking with the departed. You are doing great and what a great family support you have. Just keep on keeping on we are all here for you and looking forward to your new house renovation
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas
Carol
Merry Christmas, Judy!
ReplyDeleteCarol,from the Polka Dot Closet, above said it perfectly...I will just add my hope that you will have a Merry Christmas!! You have many friends here, who care so much!
ReplyDeletexo,
deb
Sending my love, prayers and a big hug your way my sweet friend. Merry Christmas.
ReplyDelete❤️Ana
You have wonderful memories of so many years together, I know those memories will bring you solace.
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*M*E*R*R*Y* * *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*
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((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Merry Christmas, dear friend! Being quiet, remembering and honoring John sounds like a wonderful thing to do. I send you wishes for peace and joy this Christmas. We will also have a quiet Christmas - remembering my dad and my mom and lighting a candle in honor of them.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Claudia
It is good to reflect and remember those that meant so very much to you, but then the little ones will make you smile and before you know it you will be so involved in all of their excitement you will feel it too.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you Judy, Merry Christmas,
Meredith
Very nice post, Judy. I wish you a very Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteA lovely nostalgic post Judy. Wishing you all the very best for the holidays. xx
ReplyDeleteYour year was a good year with many changes. I love how your granddaughter talks to John. My best friend lost her husband two weeks ago. She is heart broken. I am so sad for her. I hope your holiday goes well. Hugs
ReplyDeleteYour year was a good year with many changes. I love how your granddaughter talks to John. My best friend lost her husband two weeks ago. She is heart broken. I am so sad for her. I hope your holiday goes well. Hugs
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Judy! I couldn't access your comment box, so I thought I'd comment under Debby's.
DeleteAll the best!
Poppy
Merry Christmas Judy!
ReplyDeleteJudy,
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and yours, dear friend!!!
Fondly,
Pat
Judy, your post brought back so many wonderful memories for me. I am so glad that you have your sisters and your wonderful grands to keep you busy. Bella is so sweet and she loves you lots.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you had a wonderful Christmas. I wish for you a very good 2016 dear blogging friend.
Lili and Waldo send hugs to Bella.
Hugs,
Mary