The Gift of Memories at Christmas

bluerose
bluerose Member Posts: 1,104
edited March 2014 in Emotional Support #1
I know that this time of the year is hard for those who have lost loved ones or are caring for those who are now ill with cancer, but I hope that you can now think back, for even just a moment, to all the good times that this person has contributed to your life. Let their lasting gift of good memories carry you through these more difficult times of the year. I lost both my parents, not to cancer but simply old age, and it's hard for me at this time of year too but my happy memories of my years with them come tumbling back to me, especially at Xmas time and all the memories they left for me as gifts each year - the gift of good times past together.

I am also greatful for many other things. I hope you are too.
For me personally who would have thought , after that horrible diagnosis of cancer for me, that I would still be around for this many more Christmases. I am also thankful to be here to be able to see my daughter, only 4 at the time of my diagnosis, getting married next year, graduating from University in a year with a Masters, and for her chosing to spend her last Christmas as a single lady with me. I complain the other 364 days of the year - now and then - about all the side effects of my treatments which are many for sure, but on this day with Xmas so near and my daughter arriving soon, I can't help but chose today as I do other days here and there, during the year, to just say thank you for my blessings.

I also am thankful for this site, that CSN keeps so wellm and for all of the love and support I get here on a daily basis. I hope that there are times, now and then, that I can also help those who have many questions about their own journies with cancer if they have a question I have experience with and can share.

All the very best to each and every one of you all throughout the entire year, but a big extra hug to you all at this special time.

Health, love, and peace to everyone.

Merry Xmas, or whatever your belief may be at this time of year, and Happy Holidays.

Blessings,
Bluerose

Comments

  • 3Mana
    3Mana Member Posts: 811
    Thanks!
    Bluerose,
    Thanks for the reminder that if we've lost someone we love like I have, to remember all the happy times. Christmas is supposed to be so much fun but this year for me all I feel is the lonliness without Tom.
    I agree with you about this site. It has brought me so much comfort and wish I could meet everyone of you. It's funny how we're all strangers, but yet are so connected.
    I hope you have a great 2011 and can keep fighting this disease. Hope you have a great time at your daughters wedding and have many more Christmas's to celebrate.
    Bless you! Carole
  • luv2cut1
    luv2cut1 Member Posts: 288
    Thank You
    This is a wonderful post and is sure to lift spirits through what for so many is a very difficult season.

    Thank you.

    Myka
  • bluerose
    bluerose Member Posts: 1,104
    3Mana said:

    Thanks!
    Bluerose,
    Thanks for the reminder that if we've lost someone we love like I have, to remember all the happy times. Christmas is supposed to be so much fun but this year for me all I feel is the lonliness without Tom.
    I agree with you about this site. It has brought me so much comfort and wish I could meet everyone of you. It's funny how we're all strangers, but yet are so connected.
    I hope you have a great 2011 and can keep fighting this disease. Hope you have a great time at your daughters wedding and have many more Christmas's to celebrate.
    Bless you! Carole

    Hello Carole
    Thanks for the kind words and reply. I know you miss Tom and that is completely normal and I know too that for the most part Christmas is just plain lonely when someone close has gone so recently but maybe just for a moment or two thoughts of your many wonderful times together will give you a tiny bit of relief.

    It's been years since I lost my Mom and it still saddens me to think of, especially at festive times like this.

    Don't worry about me, I was considered cured many years ago but it's the side effects of harsh treatments that have kept me down but I have my faith and have been blessed over and over so I will be fine.

    I will send up a prayer for you and ask to bring you some peace over the holidays.

    Blessings,
    Bluerose
  • bluerose
    bluerose Member Posts: 1,104
    luv2cut1 said:

    Thank You
    This is a wonderful post and is sure to lift spirits through what for so many is a very difficult season.

    Thank you.

    Myka

    What a lovely name - Myka
    Thank you for your reply and have to say what a lovely name. I don't think I have ever heard that one before.

    I hae always thought that if we have to go through this cancer journey in our lives, what's the point if we can't share what we have learned and comfort those who suffer with cancer in their lives. We all do that for each other on this board.

    Have a blessed holiday season.

    Bluerose
  • hope0310
    hope0310 Member Posts: 320
    bluerose said:

    What a lovely name - Myka
    Thank you for your reply and have to say what a lovely name. I don't think I have ever heard that one before.

    I hae always thought that if we have to go through this cancer journey in our lives, what's the point if we can't share what we have learned and comfort those who suffer with cancer in their lives. We all do that for each other on this board.

    Have a blessed holiday season.

    Bluerose

    Beautifully put....
    You are a true survivor. Thanks for sharing.

    My memories are all to raw this year, I am going through the motions, but that is about it.
    Take care...

    Elysia
  • bluerose
    bluerose Member Posts: 1,104
    hope0310 said:

    Beautifully put....
    You are a true survivor. Thanks for sharing.

    My memories are all to raw this year, I am going through the motions, but that is about it.
    Take care...

    Elysia

    Totally expected the first year
    Hi Elysia, Thank you for the nice reply.

    Oh the first year is an exception for sure, all is way too raw, I totally know how you feel. I do hope that with the support of loved ones around you at this time of the year especially you will get through it all. I'm so sorry for your grief and loss. I know that this board is very helpful to those touched by cancer in anyway and I hope you are able to find some level of comfort in the words of many on these boards. They all know how you feel.

    I will say a prayer for you and yours. Hugs.

    Blessings,
    Bluerose