I realized that I never mentioned anything about how Thanksgiving went for me. A lot of that has to do with how the days have gone since then – they’ve been busy and I end my day just needing to do nothing besides maybe watch TV.
Overall, Thanksgiving went pretty well. My mom put out a candle and lit it before we prayed. I’m so thankful that she did that and thought of it. It’s a great way to remember her, and yet I hadn’t even thought about it. At that point, though, I started weeping pretty hard and just had to put my head down and let the tears fall. I certainly didn’t eat as much as I have in past years. Later that day, we played a card game, which was great because I love games and had fun with that. The day ended pretty uneventfully.
The next day was spent at home putting up the tree and a few other decorations, which also went surprisingly well for the most part. Strangely enough, the hard part for me during the day was not the Christmas decorations. It came at a moment where I was looking for the last box of ornaments that I had missed during my earlier journeys to the attic. I saw a box which contained a large Jim Shore pumpkin that Stephanie got from my parents last year for her birthday. Having a fall birthday, it was always her favorite time of year and she had so much joy putting up fall decorations. Seeing this pumpkin made me remember her excitement about such things and that she never got to put up those decorations this year. She only had one year to enjoy this pumpkin that she was so excited to get, and that had me weeping in the attic for a little bit.
The rest of the weekend was spent seeing “Tangled” with the kids and their cousins, hanging out with friends and their kids, and getting pictures taken. I’m happy to say that it really did go pretty well.
Regarding the pictures, I had a couple 8x10s printed of Stephanie in order for us to include them in our shots. Halle took notice and was all about touching the picture and smiling at Mommy. She looked at me to hear me tell her that it was Mommy. It was sweet and she was just happy to see Mommy’s face. I was unsure if she would get upset, but she didn’t. I have every intention of getting some photo books for the kids, and this just affirms that idea.
So many people showed so much love for me at such a time, and I appreciate it so much. I do hope that all of you had a great Thanksgiving spent with family and that it was a time to relax and just enjoy your loved ones. I know the holidays can be stressful with family, but I pray that Thanksgiving and the future holidays can be a time of happiness with your families and appreciation for having them.
Thought of you and the kids that day and prayed. :*)
Just beautiful Brad. I'm glad to see even a stronger bond between you Halle and Brady, if that's even possible. They are so blessed to have you as their father, and to have such marvelous love and support from you as well as family and friends. Thanks for sharing!!!!!!SIR
Sounds like a great time Brad. It lis nice to see the growth after everything while also the sorrow still present. I enjoy reading your blog when I get the chance to.
Be careful that you always make an effort to keep your children active in Stephanie's family. When my father passed away, time spent with family gradually shifted somewhat to my mom's side. Not intentionally and for any apparent reason, it just sort of happens I guess since the remaining parent is naturally closer to their side than that of their spouse's. You know, things like both sides schedule Christmas on the same date, and my mom's side get precedence since they are her family. Things like that.Just thought I'd share that since I saw that my mom dealt with that and she went through a similar situation (loss of her husband) to you. Things we don't think about until its done and we look back.
By the way, glad you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It was very sweet of your mother to represent Stephanie with a candle.
Thought of you and the kids that day and prayed. :*)
Just beautiful Brad. I'm glad to see even a stronger bond between you Halle and Brady, if that's even possible. They are so blessed to have you as their father, and to have such marvelous love and support from you as well as family and friends. Thanks for sharing!!!!!!SIR
Sounds like a great time Brad. It lis nice to see the growth after everything while also the sorrow still present. I enjoy reading your blog when I get the chance to.
Be careful that you always make an effort to keep your children active in Stephanie's family. When my father passed away, time spent with family gradually shifted somewhat to my mom's side. Not intentionally and for any apparent reason, it just sort of happens I guess since the remaining parent is naturally closer to their side than that of their spouse's. You know, things like both sides schedule Christmas on the same date, and my mom's side get precedence since they are her family. Things like that.Just thought I'd share that since I saw that my mom dealt with that and she went through a similar situation (loss of her husband) to you. Things we don't think about until its done and we look back.
By the way, glad you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It was very sweet of your mother to represent Stephanie with a candle.
Thought of you and the kids that day and prayed. :*)
Just beautiful Brad. I'm glad to see even a stronger bond between you Halle and Brady, if that's even possible. They are so blessed to have you as their father, and to have such marvelous love and support from you as well as family and friends. Thanks for sharing!!!!!!SIR
Sounds like a great time Brad. It lis nice to see the growth after everything while also the sorrow still present. I enjoy reading your blog when I get the chance to.
By the way, glad you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It was very sweet of your mother to represent Stephanie with a candle.
Be careful that you always make an effort to keep your children active in Stephanie's family. When my father passed away, time spent with family gradually shifted somewhat to my mom's side. Not intentionally and for any apparent reason, it just sort of happens I guess since the remaining parent is naturally closer to their side than that of their spouse's. You know, things like both sides schedule Christmas on the same date, and my mom's side get precedence since they are her family. Things like that.Just thought I'd share that since I saw that my mom dealt with that and she went through a similar situation (loss of her husband) to you. Things we don't think about until its done and we look back.
Thanks for the recommendation, Heath. Trust me when I say that won’t be a problem. I’ve actually been seeing Stephanie’s family more now that she’s gone, as have the kids. Stephanie’s family became mine the day we got married (and partially before that, too).
I love the story about Halle with Stephanie’s picture! You will do such a wonderful job of keeping Stephanie’s memories alive for your kids. I’m in awe of how God is giving you such strength and wisdom at this time. I’ve said many times how I’m in awe of you and how you are handling this, but I know, as you’ve pointed out, that the truth is that I’m standing in awe of God and His power.
So true!
Definitely thinking of you on Thanksgiving. Glad everything went as well as could be expected. So thankful you are surrounded by people who love you, love your babies, and love Stephanie.