Cherished Memories and Gratitude🙏

Happy December 1st!

There are eight main holidays here in the US; the two most recent that have actually passed: Halloween (yes, it is a main holiday for some) and Thanksgiving, which we just finished up a few days ago, except for the leftovers which may last a while longer. All in all, these through-the-year holidays lead up to the Big Two ~ Christmas and New Year’s.

To me, holidays allow us time to reflect. I know that we are busy, crazy, running around to get meals ready, buy gifts, clean the house for friends and relatives to come for the festivities, and/or go to parties. BUT ~ we have moments in between the madness where we drift into a memory of a previous holiday. We might remember how things were when we were younger or the way we did or didn’t do something that has changed or possibly remained a steadfast tradition. We may remember loved ones who are no longer here to celebrate with us.

This Thanksgiving, the family that I hadn’t seen or talked to for a few months gave their condolences on losing my Axel. One said I needed to start moving on and give his stuff away. They also found it a bit strange that his ashes are on the bookcase in the living room (he wanted to be close to me and that’s where I am the most). I was proud of myself; I was able to talk about him without crying, but then today I’ve had a few moments of tears. I finally gave his bed to his sunbathing buddy, Anna Mae, and Dobby, his nemesis, got his blanket. Anna Mae curled up on the bed immediately. I know she could still smell him, and I could swear she said thank you. Dobby surprisingly made the blanket into a ball and laid on top of it. Even Dobby misses him. It wasn’t easy giving his things to the others, but I know they appreciated it, especially Anna Mae. She is older and has issues moving around, so a soft bed to lay on has to feel better.

Holiday reflections for me are mixed and right now rather sad because, as I’m sure you’ve guessed, I miss Axel and how he would sit and look at me when I was cooking, or the tilt of his head he would do to look cute so I would give him something. Ninety percent of the time, he succeeded. The others miss him because his successes at getting treats were most often their treat time too. I have a hard time giving one something if the others don’t get something too. So, they did. He would ask, and all would receive.

Not only am I missing Axel, but I was with family that was missing someone of their own.

Holidays, especially Christmas, are a twisted time of memories. We are happy for the present moments and people we love, but sad too because of those who are not physically with us. Parties and laughter for the living and smiles mixed with tears for those missed. One thing I’ve been grateful for this Thanksgiving (major time for gratefuls, by the way) has been my Sweetheart. He has been such a great support for me through everything, pretty much since the moment I met him. We may get frustrated with each other, but I wouldn’t trade him for anything. He knows when I need a hug sometimes before I do. I am grateful for him. I’m grateful for my fur babies, family, and friends. Grateful for my life, even with all my whining about health stuff ~ I’m still grateful for my life.

So, take a moment to reflect on loved ones’ gone and hold them in your heart surrounded by love. Then think about those who are here and do your best to be present with them and love them to pieces while possible.

May your week and memories be filled with hugs, love, laughter, and blessings. 💕