You wonder and see how things have changed and want it back to the ways it was

There is one thing certain, Kelly... we cannot go back in time... Actually, it's good that we can't. Can you imagine having to re-live the BAD parts??? We would of course choose to pick the events we would "do over."

But being life - the rain comes with the sunshine... and if we were allowed to slip back in time, I think our rainy days would still be there to haunt us. :(

Life IS what it IS. One moment forward - NO moments back.

I hate my inability to control the past... I hate my inability to control the future... I have spent years attempting to live in the moment - but I'm not sure I do a good job at that.

Wanting our loved ones with us is so natural.

After my daughter was killed, I felt secure only when my entire family was in the same room.

I have gotten somewhat better... Thank God...

I hope this holiday season brings you happiness on some level and offers you peace within.

Jo :)

I grew up pretty much the way you did, Kelly. Either mom or dad was always laid off, and things were often tight. We never went without things like food and clothes, and dad would ask us each year, "if you could only have one thing on CHristmas, what would you want the most? We usually got that one thing, and maybe a few small things, or clothes needed for school. We were brought up to embrace what for us, was the "real" meaning of Christmas, and to be thankful for what we had.
When I got married, although my in-laws were not rich by any means, things were different. They only had one child, my husband, and they always went over board for him. He apareciated it, but seemed happier with less and togetherness. When our kids came along, Christmas at my in-laws got rediculous. I loved them to peices, but my MIL just spent and spent and spent.
We tried to get our kids to see that while that was nice, there were things in life that were much more important.
A couple of years ago, we decided that since there were no "little ones" around, and my grown children were struggling to just start out, we should draw names for Christmas. Every one agreed except grandma. We all stuck to the plan, but she did not, so those who did not have her name, felt guilty for not getting her anything. For 3 years, we drew names, but grandma always "cheated." FInally, this past spring, when we were all together, we had the discussion again, and grandma reluctantly promised that THIS YEAR, she would not cheat. Well.........this year she won't because she died in June.
It leaves me wondering....did I rob her of her joy by trying to pull the reins in on her? I hope not, because there was so much love for her, that if you could box and wrap it, it would not have fit in her house.
Anyway, I saw this post, and I just had to reply. We are all different in our ways and beliefs, but if we can see that, accept it, and co-exist in love, I guess things all balance out in the end.
Sending huggs,
Rainbow

I can honestly say that I enjoyed the holidays mostly because we were all together as a family; the gifts did not matter. Now, I would give anything to get that back, as you say. I know how you feel, and I wish you some peace during the holidays. I am here for you, (((Kel.)))
love ya,
donna

Yes. And while it's changed alot. While Mom raised me alone, I can only recall that no matter how difficult things may have been she always made sure that "Santa" came.

This year, I can only think - not of the simple things - but that one of the richest Christmases I could have is one with Mama still here.

Yes. And while it's changed alot. While Mom raised me alone, I can only recall that no matter how difficult things may have been she always made sure that "Santa" came.

This year, I can only think - not of the simple things - but that one of the richest Christmases I could have is one with Mama still here.

Yes. And while it's changed alot. While Mom raised me alone, I can only recall that no matter how difficult things may have been she always made sure that "Santa" came.

This year, I can only think - not of the simple things - but that one of the richest Christmases I could have is one with Mama still here.