This past weekend was one of the most dreaded milestones in this grief journey. It was our Canadian Thanksgiving and for the past 20+ years it has also been the weekend for my family's annual Thanksgiving Reunion. But with Gary's death and another ongoing family crisis having devastated our family this past year, there is virtually no family left to reunion with. Very sad and painful, having been such a close-knit family. We are scattered & broken, but there is nothing we can do at this point in time except pray for healing and restoration.

So I was dreading this Thanksgiving (and still dreading Christmas), because it has traditionally been a very fun, loving, much-anticipated family-filled weekend for as long as any of us can remember. The drastic difference between this year and last year is stark and unbearable.

But thanks to my hubby's family, it ended up being a full and fun weekend anyway. My step-daughter and I took my granddaughter out for a day of lunch and shopping, then the whole family came for supper. We had such fun with our 10-month grandson here - he & I spent a lot of time sitting at the piano...I could feel the joy rippling through his body as he "played" - so much so that it rippled right into me too!

And today my best friend from Nova Scotia is coming to stay for a few days. So the Lord was very kind and caring to fill the weekend with so much activity and joy that I barely had time to think about what was missing. I'm very grateful that this long-dreaded hurdle is behind me.

As for Christmas, we've booked a Christmas cruise through the Panama Canal - hopefully that will also ease us through another very painful milestone.

You are blessed. But then, you are such a huge blessing to all of us that it is no surprise. I know that the god/dess will give you strength in the coming months.
Hugs,
Casey

Eagle, a Christmas Cruise through the Panama Canal? Sounds lovely. I visited the Panama Canal when I was a stewardess. I think crossing it takes a day. I'm sure it will be an exciting experience and a perfect distraction. How wonderful that you can share all these trips with your hubby.

Eagle, I'm tickled to learn how your weekend went.

During the first year after Mom's death, I recall the anticipation of every holiday being worse than the actual holiday. I pray you find the same again on Christmas. It sounds like you will.

Nothing like little ones to take our minds off ourselves!

Oh, Eagle, I have a great friend that has been on the Panama Canal cruise, and she loved, loved, loved it. I am so glad that you are finding new ways to celebrate life. You are an inspiration to us all.

exilent idea being away from familure surrondings will help with the break from habit at christmass. Think of the new people and frends you will make on the cruse too. its a pice of inspirassion eagle,

Eagle: I am so glad to read you had a blessed weekend! God works in wonderful ways to satisfy each and every need. Now, looking ahead... It is a great way to celebrate christmas with your husband- a cruise! I am thrilled for you and wish you the best. I agree, you are a blessing for us here.

God bless you abundantly!

Truly a Thanksgiving to be thankful for The holidays are extremely difficult for many people due to loss of loved ones...I'm glad you are being proactive and planning a fun adventure! I know you will have a wonderful time!