Thursday, January 3, 2013

Christmas on my mind!

 Hello again, it looks like I am not finished with Christmas just yet. In my last post I spoke about family and the creativity of those I grew up with. So, now I will show elements of a wreath my sister Kathleen gifted me with. First of all, I think we have a rather unique relationship. Kathy is five years younger than me. If you look back on the post that includes my wedding picture you will see her looking very young. As the years passed and we were both married, we started to hang out more. When the children cam along we found the age difference had begun to fade. We became friends, confidants and as close as sisters can ever be.

 We are separated these days by distance. My husband, and son and I moved to Mo about ten yearts ago to be with our daughter and subsequently our granddaughter. My husband had retired and began to say such things as he would rather see his friends a few times a year and out daughter once a week or even more. I was born in California, raised there, raised our children there. I miss the Christmas fun we had in the days. We always met for lunch and the sort of shopped. We didn't buy much that day but walked around acting smug because we were finished with our own shopping.

 She cried with me when our youngest child was born with developmental disabilities and always treated him as if he were just like the other kids. So he always thinks he is. He still asks about her every day.

 We are at a time in our lives where the hard stuff gets harder. So, we hold on to each other despite the distance and for me it is a great comfort.

 As many of you know, my husband is in a wheel chair because he has had four strokes. Kathleen's husband is now also ill with cancer. We cannot physically comfort one another, but we keep in touch as much as we can offer all the support we have to give. I am so lucky to have a baby sister who loves me enough. I hope you have someone in your life who can give you hope.

Two days before Christmas I received this beautiful wreath hand made by my dear sister just for me. You already know how much I treasure hand made gifts and when someone makes something with me in mind, I am so honored. So Kathleen, thank you so much. I am so happy to have you in my life.
I hope you all have someone to love and be loved by as I do.

5 comments:

Kathy MacKie said...

I think it would be hard to store that wreath for next Christmas, hugs!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! You are so lucky to have a sister. I love you. ~Kelly

unDeniably Domestic

Kathy said...

Nadine you made me cry with your post. I do miss you terribly. And your pictures of my wreath, what can I say. You are a talented photography. I hope that everyone that reads this post has the same kind of bond that we do. I love you so much, my sister, my friend.

Sharon Stroud said...

Can't you leave that up until at least the end of February? It is red and white, after all--perfect for Valentine's Day.

Wonderful story. Happy New Year!

Purple Pam said...

So glad to see your post. I have been out of touch for a while so am back to catching up again on my favorite blogs. Keep that wreath up for a while. It is beautiful. Happy New Year.