My little holiday missive for all of you:

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

This will be my second holiday season without my parents. They both passed on, within a year of each other. I have a brother, but, well...let's just say that his demons and addictions will be his companions, once again in the holiday season. Hence, I will be spending this season alone. Again. But don't worry: I am quite sanguine about it, and I know that this is something that will ultimately fade into the past.

But, lemme give you all a little advice:

If you have have family with whom you will spend this holiday season, please: cherish every scintilla of time you spend with them. Every pico-second. The time we have with our family is so very, very fleeting. Before very long, we all must face navigating holiday seasons much more alone. When that happens, the festive ain't so festive.

So, love them, and know why you do that. You won't have it forever, and you sure will miss it when it's gone.

Happy Holidays to you all. Each and every one. May the new year be the beginning of the healing we need, as people and as a country.

[dae]

1. Peace, Love, and Happy Holidays to you TS.

[Loki]

2. Peace be with you TS

and to all our DU family.

[calimary]

3. MUCH love, peace, and comfort to you, T-S.

It bears repeating, what you've said.

My mom's 87 and just got out of the hospital. She is, well, okay, but as weak as can be and seems to be shriveling right before my eyes. My dad died almost 4 years ago.

It's happening to more and more of us.

Take care, T-S. You're in a crowded boat, even if it doesn't seem crowded directly around you. Your advice is solid and painfully true, and if some of us aren't right there with you, we soon will be. Be with your friends over these holidays. As time goes on, they become your family, and fill in some of the holes that separation, sickness and death leave behind. I'm finding that, myself, as lonely friends start clustering around our family's table more frequently on these event days. I am grateful that it's my mom's table that's still available.

And may your wish for 2004 come true. For all of us.

Peace and blessings to you.

calimary

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

4. Thanks.

I really appreciate your message and post. My dad died in 97 and he is missing for me at every family event. All the dumb smartass remarks and corny jokes and all.

IF you were in SO Cal you would be more than welcome to join us for holiday meals. In fact, I do look forward to meeting you one day, TS.

Be well and I hope you do at least spend some of the day with friends, rather than being alone.

Hugs.