Absolutely agree, Scotty. I miss my brother every single day but I know I will see him again one day and I often feel his presence around me. I honestly believe we never really lose the ones we love as long as we keep them in our hearts.

This is how i feel too, little tings remind you of them all the time, and i think this is them letting you know they are still there

I lost my partner 4 years ago around this time of year, the year after my Grandad passed away and the year after that, my nan. I hate Christmas!!
More importantly, it's a difficult time for my Mum, with both of her parents passing around the same time of year, she doesn't deal with Christmas very well.  We try to take her mind off it all, but I guess it never really goes away.


My thoughts are with you all - it's never easy, but this time of the year is very hard *Hugs*

My Dad died this year. But in a way, it's nice cos it means my mum is coming here for Christmas dinner.
My foster son was 13 months last year, and I wondered if he'd still be here this Christmas, I really thought I'd be adopting him. However, he's gone back to his parents (which long term is good, I know, but it doesn't stop my heart breaking) so his high chair is empty this year, and I know it will kill me.
We have 3 permanent foster kids this year, the first of many Christmasses together
Jings that was a bit of a serious post for me

Aww Tartanveggie

to everyone, who has an empty chair this xmas, always bring it home how much we miss them,  mine is my FIL 3 years this year can't quite believe its been that long, makes me sad for a moment, then brings a smile to my face, because the memories it evokes, miss him, he was one in a million

Tartanveggie  

I'm torn about what to do, i'm thinking of lighting a candle or having her favourite drink on the mantle piece (she enjoyed a drink) but i fear my brother and dad might get upset by it.

On her birthday, me and kids let some helium balloons off with little message attached at my dads flat, that went ok.

I dont know.... i want to do something thoughtful in her memory but would hate to upset my brother and dad. Any suggestions?

So sorry for all of you missing family, friends and pets. A thread like this is a nice reminder that nobody is ever really gone as long as they are remembered in someone's heart though.

Thanks Jen and Toidyone.  I feel like I have no right to be upset, because he's not dead, but it is so hard giving up a child who feels like your own and he thought I was his mum, without a fight.  Infact I had to pretend I was happy that he was going back to his birth parents.

<end of serious posts>
Normal veggie service has resumed

Jen you need to do what feels right for you. Maybe simply talking about her will be enough.  I have no idea how my mum is going to be without my Dad this year.  Maaaaaaaaan, death is horrible, isn't it?

yes it is, my dad and brother act like hard men but i know just talking about her may make them cry, throw in alcohol and ..... well they may fall out with me! men eh?

Think i'll just keep a candle light on the mantle piece, they will notice it and know why its there, but wont feel forced to show their emotions.

She will probably enter the convo at some point naturally, which i think will be ok on them, just emotional gestures in her memory might be a bit much on the hard nuts. Either way she will be in my heart and thoughts as she has been everyday for the past 6months, for her i know that will be more than enough.

For me its my dad who died a week before Christmas four years ago on Friday