The holiday isn’t the same for me as it was when Karen was here, but it’s a nice holiday, and one I look forward to.
Some people honor the religious aspects of Christmas, others look forward to the holiday because they receive great joy giving and receiving gifts, and some revel in all of those or other aspects. For me the best part about Christmas is the opportunity to spend time with family, especially those who I don’t see often. I really enjoy the conversations, and that’s a gift to me that I cherish.
Karen’s name was brought up many times today in those conversations. We miss her.
Karen loved Christmas. She received GREAT JOY from giving gifts. And that’s something special. I don’t mean that she enjoyed being thanked for them, or potential obligations being created, or any aspect of gift giving other than seeing somebody’s eyes light up with delight. She really did enjoy bringing joy to others, and it wasn’t just on Christmas.
She was her happiest when she was giving to others. She enjoyed teaching CPR and helping her students succeed. She saw the best in other people wherever she was, and strived to bring the best in each of us out so that it could flourish. She gave to others every day, and did so selflessly. She gave me so much. More than I can say, and more than I’ll ever share.
I haven’t put up a tree since her passing, at least not one worth remembering. Here is a picture of the tree we put up for her last Christmas. It was huge! I think it was 12′ to the peak if I remember correctly, and this pic supports that memory.
That was a great tree.
Merry Christmas everybody. I hope you had a great one!
ALSO, Save the date… Annual party in honor of Karen’s birthday will be Saturday June 21, 2025. Hope to see you there!
Sorry we couldn’t be there today. Would love to have talked about Karen 😊. And you remember correctly. That was an ENORMOUS tree
A wonderful remembrance of Karen, her joy during the holidays and holidays past. A nice way to keep her memory alive.
Merry Christmas and happy Chanukah!
Karen in deed was at her best giving. That’s why Christmas was so very special to her. It certainly is a beautiful tree! What I found most interesting about this picture is the illuminated angel reflection at the top and to the right of the tree. Happy you had an enjoyable Christmas and hope 2025 is the same for you.
Aunt Ceil