{ Blog 25 days of being Thankful..... this as a way of staying focused on the good , happy and pleasing moments....
it's a way of acknowledging all that we take for granted, all that we sometimes overlook as we let busyness take over.}
Today I am thankful for ...
Special memories and reminders ...
As I travel around "blogland" and also meet people in my every day life this Christmas, I have been reminded that so many people are trying to find ways of remembering someone special who isn't around any longer...
It is a tricky time of the year with the demands to prepare , be ready , shop , socialise ,cook and then gather with those we cherish the most. When there is a nagging sadness that lingers and hangs around in the background it requires some extra effort to do all the expected things of the season.
This is our 7th Christmas without Taylor and it is still extremely tricky moving through this time of the year.....feelings of desperately wishing that she was here to share all the fun and excitement in the house......
We were only two months out from Christmas when we lost her...that Christmas we struggled through...finding the need to be around family but at the same time withdraw....
I remember we sat and each wrote a letter to her that we then tucked away.....
Each year we have got a little better at maneuvering the emotions....
we hang her ornaments on the tree.....
remember when they were made....
We hang her stocking up with the rest of ours.....
and when we gather for family lunch, her Grandad always offers a toast and a "cheers to Taylor"
We still shed tears together and on our own..... I watch the kids open gifts and advent calenders and still try to picture her in the midst of them.
There are so many different ways to" do " this time of the year without those special people....
I think the key for us is to acknowledge that we are still sad and then put out the reminders, even if they are confronting......
I think she would be rolling around laughing at her little brothers antics and the fact that this was what is sitting in the tree next to her ornaments......
What a special way to remember your daughter by hanging her decorations & stocking. I hung Amy's decorations on our tree - i distinctively remember her having to "have" one decoration in particular one Christmas when she was about 4 or 5. Such a lovely memory. Such mixed emotions this Christmas - so sad she isn't here to celebrate with us but happy that my 4 yo son is so excited about santa coming & seeing our family. I know what you mean about wanting to withdraw (that first year). I guess it must get easier.
ReplyDeleteYou will be in my thoughts this Christmas Xx
Such a heartfelt post that gave me goosebumps and brought a tear to my eye.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you keep Taylor's memory alive Bron :)
x
Such a bittersweet time of year... Thinking of you all. xx
ReplyDeleteIt's so important to keep memories alive. I think what you have done with still including Taylor in your memories and also in the day-to-day is vital.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs to you at what must be a very bittersweet time.
you are all so brave to give your sweet girl the place that she deserves in your family. remembering and bringing her memory into your Christmas celebration pays honour to her short life. I admire your bravery so much. i hope it is a special day. i will be thinking of you
ReplyDeleteOoh , you made me cry with your touching post. I can't imagine how difficult it must be. May you find some peace & comfort as you are surrounded by your family & treasure those memories.
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