Christmas last year was a very trying one since David was already quite sick and in hospice care at home. My wish was that he was alive for Christmas. I knew that if he passed away on Christmas day, I was not going to inform anyone. I was determined to not have our daughters associate Christmas Day with the death of their Dad.  Luckily, David felt the same way and survived Christmas.

I recall as he watched them opening their gifts with joy, it was the first year our youngest daughter began to appreciate the excitement of opening her gifts. It was also sad to watch as I realized it would likely be the last time he would see them open their presents.

In preparation for Christmas this year, I just kept busy. I did not allow any down time, it was an avoidance mechanism to prevent the crippling sadness that was ripping me apart inside. On the day, I was happy with the outcome as we enjoyed Christmas lunch with family and friends. I was so grateful that David’s Mom was able to join us and her presence was a nice reminder of David who had many of his Mom’s attributes.

Thanks to everyone that helped make the day special and the gifts of love, time and presents you shared with my daughters and me.