With the coming Holidays approaching fast I have been reflecting upon the past these last few days. Not really the Christmas Blues but just thinking about my friends and family that are no longer with me.
Don't get me wrong, I have tons to be thankful for and I am thankful everyday for the friends and family I still have with me. I am thankful for my beautiful loving bride and my daughter. My job and businesses, my work family (those that know me know I can get deeply involved with their lives) and my dearest friends who are in most cases, family.
What I miss is what can not be replaced. My parents adopted me when they were 39. Back when older parents weren't the norm and when your mom showed up at school everyone asked, "whose grandmother is that."
Dad was the baby of ten and my paternal grandmother passed when I was about 18 months old. I hear from my family about the love she unlimitedly emitted towards her family.
I miss not knowing that love from Miss Maggie.
My paternal grandfather passed when I was nine. There are a very few life lessons that I remember he taught me but those that I do... I hold dear.
I miss the knowledge and history he could have imparted. (He was born in 1884)
My mother who has been gone now for five years was the middle of seven. She was not quite, soft spoken or demure. (Yeah, I come by it honest ) I can't begin to write all the things a miss about her. Mostly her warm full hugs and the feeling of true peace in her arms.
My maternal grandfather passed 10 years before I was born.
I miss never meeting him.
My maternal grandmother passed when I was 13 from cancer. She was a soft spoken woman, but when she did speak... you listened. My love of cooking came from her and my mother.
I miss her quite presence and homemade chocolate cakes.
Of both sides of my family, 10 and 7 respectfully, I only have 2 left on both sides. I have buried or cremated more friends over the years than I want to remember. Many of them this year including my sister by choice.
Cancer sucks.
I miss them one and all.
I guess in my rambling I am asking everyone to be very thankful for what you have while you have it. It can be gone tomorrow. The mad dashes for gifts are second to the true gifts you have in your life everyday. A place to live and enough to eat. I was without both at one point in my life.
Hug your friends and family and tell them often how much you love, care and appreciate them.
So Happy Hanakwaznistmisule! Take joy in the things that matter.
This Christmas don't sweat the petty stuff and don't pet the sweaty stuff.