Christmas cheer!

It’s difficult to believe another Christmas is nearly upon us! It’s our second without my dad. Yesterday when we were putting up our tree I found a single card in with the tinsel…. 

I have no idea why I kept this one card. It’s a few years old because he’d written in it, so before Parkinson’s Disease stole his ability to write and Lewy Body Dementia stole his ability to understand. How did I know to keep it? I miss my dad every day, but times like these make it hit home even harder now that he’s not with us anymore. 

Christmas is a time of reflection but also a time to look forward to the imminent new year. 2022 has been another good one for us. My scan results remain ‘incredible’ and, despite all the economic doom and gloom, hubby and I are fortunate to remain in decent employment. As the country song goes…..”We’re stuck in the middle where money gets tight but I guess we’re doing alright!” 

Most importantly we have each other. In January we will have been married for 26 years. Our lives remain full of love and support. Yesterday hubby dried my eyes and gave me a hug as I cried for my daddy. Then, as I finished decorating the tree, he came into the room excitedly telling me to go with him. He took me into our front room where he delightedly showed me what he’d done with the spare string of Christmas tree lights we’d found amongst the other decorations. The stunning baby grand piano that I bought after we lost dad is now more beautiful than I could ever have imagined….twinkling with fairy lights!! A piano fit for Elton John…….and probably far too good for my sometimes Les Dawson style playing!! My dad would absolutely love it, of that I am sure. 

I sat down and started to play. It was far from perfect, but a few bum notes couldn’t dampen my spirits. Look at what my wonderful husband had done for me. Christmas has come to our house and I can’t wait to celebrate another year of feeling healthy, happy and very loved. 

I realise it’s perhaps a little early for a Christmas blog, but what can I say?? The Christmas spirit has got me…..further enforced by a very chilly but great fun pre Christmas dip in the North Atlantic this morning. Later this week we head over to The Netherlands for some time with our son, our pride and joy. Yep, it’s going to be a very Merry Christmas for us. 

Happy Christmas to those of you who continue to give a damn! May your days be merry and bright. Xxx