Well dear friends, it's that time of year again. Where did the months go?

[auntAgonist]

I want you all to know just how much your openness and caring has meant to me. Your willingness to share and pour out your hearts has always amazed me.

I'm so glad we have this tiny spot on the internet to console, commiserate, love and help each other along.

As the season is in full swing, may you all find some comfort in the joys you shared with those you grieve.

May your hearts be full of love and remembrance for the loved ones no longer with you.

Most of all, may you feel some sort of healing in whatever form that takes for you specifically.

To those of you who read and don't post it's ok. If and when you EVER need us, we're here.

I truly have fond affection for each of you.

May the coming year find you all healthy and prosperous.

Know that I (and many others) care for you.

with love and deepest respect.

kesha.

[fadedrose]

1. Thank you for all your kind words...

I hope you have the best holiday season ever, and a great New Year.

I love DU and the folks here too . . .

[orleans]

2. so beautifully put, kesha

it's been a busy day, hectic at times, so much to preoccupy me--but the distance between me and my immediate surroundings remain. off and on all day, in the background, my thoughts turn and linger for a moment or two in a place that feels no where near where i physically am. and i wait for the day to end.
after hours of this preoccupation and pretense i am finally alone.
it's a relief.
and the night crashes in on me.
alone with my memories and sorrows
and i come here.

thank you for your loving thoughts, your kind and gentle words, your sympathy, your understanding, your compassion.

the memories we have for those we loved and still love are golden treasures -- they are the bittersweet gifts that are left for us and we open them gladly, gratefully, and yet would trade them all in a heartbeat for just one more day together.

and the night crashes down.

[Ron Obvious]

3. Thank you, Kesha

Holidays are a bit rough sometimes even though, speaking personally, we're frankly ridiculously fortunate compared to most. It's still a time to miss those we've lost.

All the best wishes for the season and the new year to you and to everyone here.

[livetohike]

4. Wishing you peace and happiness aA

Thank you for being here and keeping our group together.

[Paper Roses]

5. Thank you so much for your kind thoughts.

Those of us coping with loss find this time of year very difficult. Somehow, some of the joy is gone, for many, never to return.
When you lose someone dear, the void is too deep, the joy too far in the past.

We all try, some with a measure of success, the rest of us remember too well what used to be. Try as we may, some memories are so painful, they overwhelm the joy of the occasion.

My heartfelt best to all in this wonderful group. May the New Year bring better things, more laughs, sunny days and maybe a nice furry kitty to keep you company.

[Uben]

6. Thanks Keisha

I hope the new year brings you happiness as well as everyone else who happens by. I plan to make this a year of action...doing things I've put off the last coupla years that need to be done.