Jude 2

For 53 years I celebrated Christmas with my mom. This will be my first without her. It seems strange not picking out a present for her. Today was her birthday. I sure do miss her.

The "firsts" after losing a loved-one are the hardest, for me -- first birthday, Christmas, anniversary...

I know how you feel man. This will be the third Christmas without my mom. She passed away on Christmas morning two years ago. She was buried 2 days later on her birthday. She would have been 51. I miss her very much.......but I digress, I am sorry for your loss.

IMapk,

Man do I know how you feel. This is my 5th Christmas without my mom, and not to create a debate with PG, none gets any easier, you just learn how to deal with it.

My died 5 years ago at Thanksgiving, I no longer enjoy that holiday now, we buried her the day after Thanksgiving.

I will be praying for you man.

Blessings,

PR

Mike, I'm so sorry for your loss. Remember and share the good times with those you love this Christmas. Next year will be a little easier.

Pastor Gary, I remembered your Mom this week as I decorated my Christmas tree. She gave me a piano ornament with my name engraved on it one year for Christmas. As I hung it on the tree I remembered her hugs, cards and loving encouragement from all the years I knew her.

There were two ornaments from your sister. One was a santa's favorite grandma and the other one a musical note with the date engraved on it. I thanked God for the love and support of a true friend as I hung them on the tree.

Then there was the little red haired angel that always hung on the tree at my parents house. As I placed her lovingly on my tree I remembered all the fun times at home and the love of my parents.

Almost every ornament on my tree has sentimental meaning to me. I guess my Christmas tree has become a remembrance tree. Let me say it loud and clear: I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!

Yes, the first Christmas without a loved one is hard but being surrounded with people who love you will make it easier.

My father wanted the same thing every year --- denim shirts. An electrician all of his life, he just loved wearing them. My wife said the other day, "I thought to myself, 'I need to run and get Gilbert a denim shirt'." I hate forgetting then remembering suddenly of these losses. I still have those moments with my mother's memory, but no so much anymore. Daddy being gone is going to impact the bond that I had with my half-siblings because it is highly doubtful we'll continue to get together every year now and, even though we live only moments from each other, our annual get-together between Christmas and New Year's Eve was always the one time we were almost certain to see each other. I've got two sisters who live within 15 minutes of me that I may see once a year. So, when the family is already made from split families, etc., when you lose a parent you can lose more than that.

Lesson: Stay married if possible.