We hung two special Christmas ornaments on the tree, ornaments that Mom had
bought for my daughters a few weeks before she died.   And this evening, we cooked
some of the candy recipes she faithfully prepared every Christmas.   Tomorrow, we will burn a scented candle we bought on the day of her funeral at the hospital Gift Shop where Mom worked for so many years as a volunteer.  

Through these ways, and through our precious memories of Mom from years past, she lives on and is with us.   Yet I still miss her and I have moments where I can't believe she is gone.  

I have talked to several other friends who have lost a loved-one over this past year.  We're all feeling the pain of our losses right now.

As I awaken on Christmas morning, this will be my first Christmas where I won't be with her or won't be able to call her to wish her a Merry Christmas.

All of the traditional Christmas songs are playing on the radio.   Oh, how these songs take me back to earlier times.   I cherish those memories so much.

Lest I forget, the candy making we did this evening, the singing around the piano, the time spent with my family now, are all the makings of their memories in future years long after I am gone.   I am reminded to cherish these times I have now with my family.   One day, these too, will just be treasured memories.

Time moves on, and a trail of memories are left behind.

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Copyright: Please do not republish any of these writings without first obtaining my permission. (You may contact me by clicking on the Contact Kevin link).  All of my writings are Copyright (c) 2005 Kevin Gourley. All rights reserved.   Any reference to them should also reference the web page address as well.