Among Friends

[Still keeper of the koi]

I always write a note to myself or who ever finds it,on NewYears eve.I make paragraphs about the past year ,some are joyful ,some sad. I started this the first year we were married 25 years ago.Many times in the early years there were new lives   to celebrate ,new pets ,big anniversarys, decade birthdays.As the years went on there was the inevitable losses, bigger birthdays, graduations and passing of our young ones ,pets ,life was changing, but still joyous. Last year's note  I put off reading ,my precious mil wasn't here....So today alone I read my letter, life changes quickly. I realized I had grown up, looking back on the other notes, my life had changed, roles had changed. Life is still beautiful ,sometimes imperfect..So I took out my phone book called all our relatives  to make sure they knew they were WELCOME,  like every year to come anytime christmas eve and Christmas day.There will be lots of us, smiling laughing making memories.If God is willing next year the note will be read in a new home,several of the kids are getting married, how exciting to begin anew!I hope my friends here sit back  and love your special ones, make plans and simply rest in joy.We only get this day once, it can't be purchased or rewound.Just think it only happens once! Sending you lots of love and peace..hugs,Maryanne

[meallen616]

Maryanne,

[Laura14]

What a wonderful gift you've given to yourself over the years. 

I have thought often over the past few weeks how I shoud have written down and kept a journal when I decided to make some changes earlier this year that are starting to come to fruition.  It would have made an interesting story and a nice time capsule of a turning point in my life. 

Congrats and may you have many more years to write!   

[LTT1]

@Still keeper of the koi

Dear Maryanne,

Do you know how much you have helped me?

I have been wishing for someone to help me put this part of my life in perspective. I do not have another woman in my life with this knowledge (wisdom) to listen to.

Thank you so much.

[Still keeper of the koi]

@LTT1, Oh I'm going to cry, today was different feeling for me, life changes so quick, My precious brother once told me, life is nothing but change,if your role stays the same you stay behind..   That has served me well..One foot in front of the other,sharing ourselves lightens the load, we are all more alike than we know, we separate ourselves by thinking we are diffrent.. Sending you a love you and  a big hug...MaryAnne

[LTT1]

@Still keeper of the koi

Thank you❤️

Hugs for you... and wishing you a warm holiday snuggled in with those who you love!

[Mom2Dogs]

Very nice @Still keeper of the koi...I know you have been thru a lot this year plus the most recent passing of your mother in law.  It's hard to be happy with that sadness on your heart but you still move ahead....with the true spirit of Christmas

You are very luck to have so much family.....my very small family....siblings...is scattered and we are all so different, it had to believe that we have the same parents!!   ..I am sure you  know how blessed you are.

Merry Christmas

[newagain888888]

This was such a beautiful post and you are very wise to have realized how precious life is and what truly matters. If it’s true that Gratitude is the secret to happiness, and I believe it is, then you will always have a blessed life. 

[Still keeper of the koi]

@Mom2Dogs, Sending you special Holiday love...Ths year has been  hard ,but never once I didn't feel love...My side of the family is only 10 ,but my husband's 60 or so.We live a few miles apart see each other almost daily just going about life.Yes ,I am blessed beyond my worth!I do believe there is a plan for each of us, my blessing was later in life,love heals everything, breaths life into everything...Wishing you dear one ,happy days and the gift of joy...Hugs and love,MaryAnne 

[qualitygal]

That's wonderful and I'm glad you kept that tradition alive.  Have a Merry Christmas, MaryAnne