us. It’s the first Christmas that I have been without my sister. To say I miss her is an understatement. She has only been gone for 6 months so the loss still seems very fresh.One of my favorite memories is the year my Grandpa played Santa Claus and Sharon and I had our picture taken with him. This was somewhere is AZ but I can’t remember the city. I think it was Mesa but I can’t tell for sure. It’s another one of those instances where I wish I could phone mom and dad and ask them, but I’m afraid those days are long gone too.
It’s also the first Christmas in 15 years that we have not had the Best Dog Ever, Rusty, here to celebrate the holidays with us. Rusty was a true Party Animal! He always had a present or two under the tree, and he LOVED to unwrap them.He loved to help others unwrap their presen
ts as well, but he was polite and would wait until he was invited to help. Then he would gently take an edge of the paper and pull it away from the package. I always wondered how a dog could know that just the paper was supposed to come off. He never tried to chew through the box the paper covered.This dear boy was never more happy
than when he was surrounded by family and lots of Christmas wrappings. Amid all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, it’s good to stop and reflect on all the good memories of years gone by. Although this Christmas is tinged with sadness, we do have so many happy memories, and those are what I choose to embrace.
I can never get Sharon or Rusty back and I miss them both so much. But I can celebrate and remember the Christmas times we enjoyed together.
I know I posted this last year but it is my favorite version of my favorite Christmas Carol…another memory that I will cherish forever. This is my then 7 year old granddaughter singing a capella, “O Holy Night,” and catching us all by surprise when she goes for and hits the high note at the end! (Note to Bekah: I wouldn’t turn down an update, hint-hint!!) Merry Christmas everyone.
Merry Christmas to you and your family, loss is always more challenging during the holidays.
ReplyDeleteChristmas is made of many, many wonderful memories. We send a merry Christmas from our house to yours. Sam & Donna....
ReplyDeleteChristmas is definitely a time for memories and for missing loved ones. Wishing you lots of love and a Merry Christmas from the Dixons.
ReplyDeleteLoved hearing Bekah.. what a beautiful song (and beautiful child) to hear on Christmas Eve. Wishing you the best along with love and a hug.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you both and your family...all the very best in 2013
ReplyDeleteThis the year to cherish all the memories you've made through the years. Blessed Christmas to you and Russ.
ReplyDeleteYou may think that Sharon and Rusty are gone but you are wrong as they live on in your memories and in your heart.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you both Donna and Russ. Be Safe and Enjoy every moment of this glorious life you've been given.
It's about time.
Merry Christmas to you and Russ and your family..sending you a 'cyber hug'..life changes and sometimes it can be difficult! make new memories and talk about the old ones too!!
ReplyDeleteChristmas time is a wonderful time of year. However, missing those that have shared the holiday with us in the past sometimes it makes it a little harder. Focus on those around you and have a wonderful day full of memories.
ReplyDeleteAren't you glad that you recorded Bekah at that precious age? Even then, she showed much talent. Christmas can be a bittersweet time and you are wise to focus on the good memories of loved ones.
ReplyDeletePlease know in ur heart that u will be with Sharon and Rusty again some day. Sad as it is to be without them, right now u have ur sweet memories....one day u will be able to enjoy them again. I know that God didn't make such wonderful family connections and love to have it all end at the grave. May God bless u and Russ with more love and happy times to make more wonderful memories. Merry Christmas Donna!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Russ and Donna. Bekah's singing was beautiful. So was the header pic of Rusty.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the day along with wonderful memories.
Merry Christmas, Donna & Russ. Bekah's singing gives me lovely shivers. Sorry it is a tough Christmas for you but glad you have such nice memories to share. Take care & God bless.
ReplyDeleteOur very best Christmas wishes to you and Russ. Hope that you have a great day with the family.
ReplyDeleteI love the innocence of a child! So cute! Loss is always hard but I hope you find joy and new memories during this holiday season.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and your family!! :)
~M
I remember when you said a raccoon tried to lure Rusty into the pool, and I thought you said it was luring Russ into the pool. Rusty must have been a smart old dog, and so is Russ.
ReplyDeleteWe're too far away from family and old friends to pretend that Xmas is business as usual. We've kinda played it cool the last couple of years, and being frugal falls right into that groove.
Wishing you happiness right on through the sorrow.
They may be gone, but they are still in your hearts. As long as you have your memories of them, they will be with you. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteGrrrr! My internet is bouncing in and out and I lost my comment ... let's see if I can do as well 2nd time around.
ReplyDeleteChristmas without loved ones is always hard. I'm sure your memories were filled with joy, tempering the sadness.
Blessings
Fond memories, even the bitter sweet ones are worth having:) Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI am so far behind on all my blog reading that I had not realized Rusty had died. How sad & I sure understand your feelings of loss. That first Christmas without one of your best Pals there to help open presents is difficult. The house is quieter now but you have your memories. We often think back to all the great times & entertainment Max, Checkers, & the little Motormouse brought us over the years. We wouldn't have missed that for anything. Hang on to your Rusty memories....and we wish you guys all the best in the New Year:))
ReplyDeleteI haven't check anything since early Christmas Eve.
ReplyDeleteI love the new header photo. Rusty was so much like we humans. How many people don't love being around others, opening gifts and just plain celebrating.
Your memories are wonderful things. I think of them as celebrations of good times, loving times, warm times.
Now it is time to get ready to ring the new year in. Wishing you two a fabulous, happy, and adventurous 2013.
Thanks for sharing so many wonderful memories!
ReplyDeleteYes - Great post! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDelete