December doldrums

Today marks one month since our friend Janice (right) died of cancer. I met Janice back in 2007 or 08 when I first started going for coffee on Saturday mornings to EVP on Speedway.

Janice was a drama queen in the best sense: Statuesque, stylish and impassioned. Always ready to protest, party or talk plants; we did plenty of all three over the years.

I can't begin to add up all the Saturdays we sat around sharing coffee and conversation. Nor can I quite image all those Saturdays to come without her. 

This week marks another unhappy anniversary: Friday will be one year since my sister Meg died of a rare auto-immune disease. This photo of her is so old I haven't a clue as to the date or location. But it's always been a favorite of mine. Her daughter, Sarah, is probably a similar age and looks strikingly like her mom does here. 

Meg's birthday is Christmas Day and my dad's is Christmas Eve. Despite having done a fair amount of holiday decorating, I am definitely not in a party mood and the 10-day weather forecast — rain, snow and cloudy skies — doesn't suggest there's any sunshine coming to push me out of my doldrums. So this is it for my blog posts this week. 

Comments

[Kristinj]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. It's always hard, but seems so much harder near the holidays, the shorter days, and when you are missing other loved ones so much.

[danger garden]

Loss of a friend, of family is so difficult no matter the time of year. Have it fall when the rest of the world is telling you to be happy and festive seems extra cruel. Hugs Linda.

[Barbara H.]

So sorry - sometimes one bad thing piles on top of other bad things and it's hard to keep one's equilibrium. Let it swirl around you and take the time away you need. Deep breaths, too, Linda. But remember to exhale.

[Beth@PlantPostings]

Oh, sorry Linda. The grayness lately isn't helping. :( Take care.

[Kris P]

Managing the grief that accompanies losses like those isn't easy at any time but it's all the more difficult during the holidays. Giving yourself the time to feel and process those churning emotions is important. Take care, Linda. (((HUG)))

[Linda Brazill]

Thanks to everyone for your thoughtful and encouraging comments and emails.

[Kathy from Cold Climate Gardening]

I'm so sorry for your several losses, the one fresh and raw, the others the holidays won't let you forget. May you soon get the sunshine you crave.

[hb]

Missing loved ones at holiday time is especially trying. Remember and cherish the good times you shared with them. They'd like that.