From My Window
A Family Thanksgiving
Twenty-one family members gathered at my sister and brother in law’s townhome for Thanksgiving. There were fresh flowers on the tables and charming leaf decorations on the napkins. Dinner was a combination of ordered and homemade food. As always, dessert was Ellie’s famous pumpkin pie. (I had two pieces.)
After dessert, my brother-in-law named family members who were no longer with us, including my husband, John. Continuing the family tradition started by Pampa (John’s father), we held hands and said, “God bless us every one.” I am blessed to have such a loving family.
My Twin Grandchildren
After Thanksgiving I invited my twin grandchildren, Haley and John, and John’s girlfriend for dinner. We had a good visit and young Dr. John, who enjoys fixing things, fixed my phone answering machine and computer. He and his sister inserted brighter bulbs in my studio lamps. Now creating doodle art and seeing the framed pictures on the walls is easier. Thank you Haley, John, and Erin for your help.
Photo by Erin Hynes.
Sharing Holiday Decorations
Because I chair the Arts and Decorating Committee at Charter House, I’m in charge of the lobby display, which changes every two months. The current display includes holiday decorations from residents. In November, the lower shelf focused on Thanksgiving. .
In December, the display focuses on Christmas and Hanukkah. One shelf is filled with figures from Marjorie Lieske’s extensive angel collection—300 in all—collected over the years, and from different countries. Thanks to Charter House friends for sharing their holiday decorations with others.
Reviews
Outstanding Book about Grief: Heartfelt and Practical
What a remarkable book. Heartfelt and practical. A quote Harriet weaves throughout, "Death will be the loser. Life will be the winner. I will make it so" becomes the main thrust of the book as the author deals with multiple tragic losses throughout the book. How she deals with them all is inspiring.
And in doing so, her explorations, research and realizations are extremely helpful to anyone dealing with grief or who may be about to. Concepts like Anticipatory Grief -- wow what a concept. Plus that it could be helpful in processing and preparing differently, more fully, for the eventual outcome.
Or the idea of primary and secondary losses (the loss of the loved one being primary but the loss of companionship, help, etc., being some of the many secondary losses). What to let go of, what to hold onto. So much wisdom in this. Another example is the idea of action memorials - doing something that your loved one valued or loved to do or had dedicated themselves to -- and doing it yourself as a remembrance and to keep your connection to them.
And also how Harriet seeks support and help—the Lobby Ladies and one Lobby Lad, and her extended family, and using writing itself as a mode of healing. Just an excellent book for anyone at any stage of life, because at some point, all of us will grieve someone or something. – Lisa Kradjian, Amazon reviewer, 5 out of 5 stars.
Photo by Elizabeth Nida Obert.
Book Business
First Steps, First Snow is a beautiful gift for kids and grandkids ages five to eight. Carol Hill Quirk’s illustrations will make you feel like you’re walking in the forest on a winter night. At the end of the book, the two kids on the walk and forest animals are all sound asleep.
If you need a gift for someone who is grieving, Daisy a Day: Hope for a Grieving Heart, may be the solution. It’s packed with 365 short readings to help one get to the next moment, the next hour, or the next day. Order your copies from Amazon now.
Photo by Kathy Meyer RN.
Quote of the Month
“I will honor Chrismas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. ”