....the memories begin.
This time of year sometimes starts off a bit hard for me..but...life is good and memories of the past are but a part, a wonderful, if sometimes sad part of my life now...
I think most of us love Christmas and look forward to bringing out things that are especially meaningful to us.
After a long search I found the perfect pair of ice skates hand painted by a lovely lady, all decorated with roses. Exactly what I was looking for.
It been a big deal ever since I recieved my ice skates as to where to put them. One year they went on the piano..
and the next year they were hung on the inside of the front door. This year??
Any idea's?
Have you seen how someone else used them? These are full size so a wreath just won't make it, and besides I have NO talent in that direction, AND no patience!
I took them down and unwrapped them yesterday and they were my inspiration to get started.
Still....they sit on the guest bed waiting for my decision.
Something different this year..but what?
No matter...I am at last on my way to Christmas decorating. If all I have to worry about is where to put things, how to do the tree..what to change this year, I am truly blessed.
Of course that is NOT all I have to worry about. No one is without worries..but decorating is certainly a fun part of my life and I am grateful for it.
I know..this will be a difficult month for me. It always is. Patrick went into a coma on December 5th and passed away on December 15th 1997. I think the children thought that I would never enjoy Christmas again but time is a great healer..and it's been 14 years now and life is good.
I used to write about Patrick..blogging about him was a sort of outlet..but a very sad blogger rather ruined that for me..however I still blog about him...talk about him, think about him and I always will. 43 years of marriage does not go away. Ever.
Patient husband was married for over 50 years..so we both have a lot of memories this time of year.
AND...we are making NEW ones...
We smile a lot.
My love to you,
Mona
Oh, dear, sweet Mona! I wish I could give you a real hug, but I'm afraid my virtual hug will have to do. This is such a BEAUTIFULLY written post and makes me realise all over again why I so love having you in my life, even if only virtually. You truly are one of this world's shining lights and I always admire your honesty, sincerity and loving, kind heart that reaches out far beyond your own borders and into the greater world. In regard to where to display your gorgeous boots, I think they look very nice on your piano. It is altogether such a lovely display...vignette, to be all fancy :) set amongst all your other treasures displayed there. Lots of love, Des xoxo
ReplyDeleteThose skates are so pretty i think just about anywhere you decide to put them will be nice. You are so right about decorating. When we decorate we are thinking about our home, the people who fill our hearts & home, and sometimes this is happy, sometimes, like you, this makes me sad. The sad times only make me appreciate the happy times more, and appreciate the moments IN the moment...
ReplyDeleteThoughtful post.It is good to read you and Patient Husband are making good memories now, while remembering the happy & sad memories of the past.
We should never stop talking about those we love. Whether they are here or not. The ones that are with us we need to tell them how much we love them, and we feel the love in our hearts, for the ones that are not with us.
ReplyDeleteNow it is time to make new memories with Patient Husband, and the rest of the family.
As for the skates; you wouldn't believe it I have a pair I have painted blue. Just the under coat, and I have never put them up because I don't know where to put them.
Perhaps hanging from the fire place. Now I think I want mine white......lol
Christmas Hugs
Kay
Sweet Friend,
ReplyDeleteDo NOT stop talking about Patrick. He is part of you, & your marriage to Howard and I love that you honor him in such a beautiful way.
You are precious, one of God's miracles, and I am truly blessed to have your friendship.
Hugs
No matter where you decide to put those skates they will look lovely. That's one of the things I like about decorating for Christmas. With the vast number of decorations we manage to collect over the years there are so many possibilities for arranging and displaying them. Enjoy your decorating. Hugs
ReplyDeleteYour post really put things in perspective for me. I HAVE been worrying about decorating and shopping and cooking and all these TRIVIAL things when I should be thinking of how blessed I am for what I have. And I am truly grateful for having met you, you always have such wise words. I'm sorry that this can be a difficult time for you, but it is a part of you and you should feel comfortable to share. I think of all of us as a sisterhood!
ReplyDeleteThe skates are just beautiful! Have you thought about hanging them on a door?
Have a wonderful day, Mona, and remember...we are always here for you!
XO,
Jane
Those skates are so beautiful ... I know that you'll find the perfect spot for them this year. I do love hearing all about your family...don't stop telling the stories on your heart. I know that most of us love them....and you too, dear Mona.
ReplyDeleteMona, Don't ever stop talking about your family and what's going on in your life. That's what makes YOU! Just continue to hold on to your memories and know you are still making them....
ReplyDeletehugs, Sue
How wonderful that you can both allow the other one to keep their memories and admit them!
ReplyDeleteI love those gorgeous skates! Maybe over the fireplace?
And I'm sorry for both of your loses and glad for both of your gains!
sandie♥
Good Morning Sweetpea!
ReplyDeleteI love these little glimpses of your home and family, and I concur that sweet memories only make the NOW moments even sweeter.
Very best of all the wonderful sights, sounds, scents of the season to YOU M'Dear!
rachel
Mona, your skates are just gorgeous. I havn't ever seen any like them before, such beautiful flowers and glitter. I know you will find the most wonderful place to display them, they truly are treasures. Your memories are precious too, both old and new. Thanks also for the note to let me know that my mind is slipping just a tad. lol Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteNEVER let another blogger take the happiness out of blogging for you. NEVER allow their unhappiness define who you are. NEVER.
ReplyDeleteMona,
ReplyDeleteI am thrilled that you came by for a visit and took the time to leave a comment.
Your skates are gorgeous! I think they would add grace and beauty to where ever you place them. Several years ago, I purchased a pair...quite a feat in the deep south! I've put them somewhere and for the life of me I can't remember where....
Cancer is no stranger to our family. My five siblings and my Mother died of cancer. So far I am cancer free...as far as I know.
Don't stop blogging about your memories...that keeps them alive...sharing them means so much to your family I'm sure....as well as others.
How blessed you and your husband are that God brought the two of you together....
Wishing you a joyous Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of our dear Saviour.
Betty @ Country Charm
I am commenting as anonymous because for some reason I can't access my google account.
This time of year is joyous, but also at times difficult at our home too. In late November 2001 I lost my grandparents. Grandma passed unexpectedly and Grandpa...only six days later. They had been married 63 years and those 6 days were the longest they had ever been apart.They were beautiful people and I miss them all the time. Don't appologize for your memories...they are what make you who you are today.
ReplyDeleteOh, Dear Mona! I want to encourage you to blog about your memories. Patrick lives on in your and your children's memories. Your sweet Howard and you are making new memories now and I love to hear about your life!
ReplyDeleteNow those pretty skates - I don't know where you could put them. I have seen them placed on a sled propped up! :) You'll find the right place!
You are a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Love those skates. I saw on a blog some really pretty ones made from felt that I want to try.
ReplyDeleteDon't let another blogger stop you from sharing. There are many more that would listen to what you need to say. So many years with loved ones that have passed. So many memories. I can't imagine what it must feel like to miss them all this time. We all need to enjoy every moment with those we love. I will be missing my cousin this year. It's been 9 months now. It will be hard for her husband this year. (((((HUGS)))))
Your blog is so lovely and inspirational. I found you through some shared bloggers and I'm glad I did. I see you love your family and have collect beautiful dishes. Me too. I'm in Ontario, Canada and want to wish you a very Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Deb=^..^=x4
I think it is wonderful that you both have those fond memories of your spouses. Many can not say that. That you have both gone on making memories of your own does not take anything away from what you had.Your very fortunate to have found each other at this time in your lives. I should be so lucky. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI adore the skates. My they are gorgeous. I have an old pair I hang on an old sled on the front porch for Christmas and winter decorating. Your skates are way to pretty to put outdoors. She did a beautiful job on them. Have a wonderful week Mona.
Please do not apologize and please do not stop talking or remembering....
ReplyDeleteHi, my name is Barbara and I love your site. I am a senior lady and not much on this puter thingie. lol Could I ask if you would put a playlist like yours on my blog? My email is barbarad@aol.com if you would then I could send you my blog. Thank you so much
ReplyDeleteHello!! My dear friend..I know CHRISTmas always is so hard on e and my memories..I pray you had a Great Thanksgiving girl..mine was very quiet but nice..Love ya Mona..Hope to be back soon..Hugs and love Gloria
ReplyDeleteMona, you have a wonderful blog because you write from the heart and share your life honestly.Don't let others determine what you should write on your blog. To be married to someone for that many years is a true blessing and an unusual happening in this day and age. Then to find love a second time is another wonderful blessing. Embrace it and I love that you share it with us. Have a great week. I love the skates and I think you'll find that perfect spot when the inspiration hits!
ReplyDeleteSending a big hug to you Mona. This time of year really is bitter sweet, remembering the good times but missing them too. I believe that when we think or talkabout our loved ones we are sending a prayer up to Heaven. We are so lucky to have loved and been loved.
ReplyDeleteLoving the skates (jealous) and would want to display them where everyone could see them!! xxx
Mona, I read all the other comments from fellow bloggers.I agree with them that you are such a loving, thoughtful and kind person to share so much of yourself with us through your blog. How lovely it would be to visit you during the holidays or anytime to chat and see your decorations. Posting about your feelings and thoughts are what keep you so real and it does show in all you post. Hold onto all those loving memories of Patrick, and give extra hugs to Howard as I'm sure you do! Have you considered putting the skates under the tree?
ReplyDeleteDon't let one unkind blogger stop you from sharing what you want to share. I think it is wonderful that you have such precious memories from the past and new ones for today. Isn't that what makes life bearable?
ReplyDeleteWish I could help with the skates...I want a pair so bad, but then I would need a sled, and the beat goes on!!
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