Donette ... it is hard when you lose the home and all the family celebrations. My mom's been gone almost five years (although it doesn't seem like that long) and my stepdad a little over two. I was heartbroken at the thought of losing the house they lived in. Even though I didn't grow up there, we spent more than 20 years celebrating life in our extended family. We were so blessed when my sister and her husband were able to purchase it. You are right ... when we lose those so close to us, we really lose so much more ... the traditions and for me it was almost as devastating. But God, in His infinite love and grace, has given me a peace that's almost impossible to describe.

I pray for all who have lost so many family members and, along with them, the traditions. Yet, as long as our memory of them lives, they live within our hearts.

Blessings, Francine