It's time to start looking through old magazines..at recipes..to maybe start a few things.
This little girl had no idea what the future held for her.
On this particular day in her shiny shoes, puffy organza swiss dot dress w/ black velvet waist ribbon,black velvet ribbon tied ponytail..her hopes and dreams had come true.
A canopy bed.(Wish I still had it)And a new bébé...plastic though:)
Our white plastic tree and baubles and tinsel and glitter..our faux fireplace.. An upper duplex in Mtl.
I was messaging with my daughter and I said to her that while Lucas was playing his last football game last Saturday..for the Provincial title..They won.. My grandsons love their sports and work hard at them.
I asked my mom to send me a sign..
I asked for something special so that it would be an in my face sign.
See..I've never had signs..
The fact that they won could have been a sign..but it was a sign for everyone.
But when they won he broke from the cheering crowd he came to hug his mom a big bear hug he's 16 ..and then us.
This boy...
That could have been a sign also:)♥
But I think that was not a pinpointed sign.
Anyway the more I thought about the more I thought my girls and these 4 darling boys are my signs.
I told Caroline..you probably won't get signs when I am gone..and she said :"Really"?
I said I think what you have are memories..so you right now have 45 yrs of memories with me..so you will remember funny things..words..flashbacks..stupid things I did..or nice things I did..
Things I told you..things I did OK as a mom..not so stellar things;)
Food I made..Christmases....
I figure I had 8-9 yrs.
We don't remember much before the age of 10..
I lost her at 19..so even 8-9 I am being generous..and then it's such a shock ..your memory bank in that period of time (the loss and before) is pretty much a blur.
Tree is going up today and we had ..
♥
Love your lantern. Congrats on the win! I miss my mom too.
ReplyDeleteA great love..is never forgotten♥
DeleteWhat a cute idea with the lantern! I think I might have to steal that idea to use. Isn't it wonderful how the littles can fill that hole in our heart left when people we love pass on??
ReplyDeleteGod bless you as we head towards Christmas- xo Diana
Oh steal away..I must have seen the idea somewhere myself.Thank God for the hole fillers♥
DeleteThank you and to you also:)
That little lantern is a great idea! When you shared about the loss of your mom and the friend who crocheted the little tree, I thought about my own sweet mom. I will never stop thinking of her and missing her. You got me thinking about the memories I hold most dear. I want to be sure to create those experiences for my grand daughters! I believe we're given many, many chances to do good. To bring joy. You do that for all of us, Monique. Thank you for sharing your innermost thoughts. You've inspired me today, to keep on going. You see, we are in the middle of moving to our little home that's just 2 miles from our kids and grands. We are tired and sometimes the challenges seem like mountains. But if our goal is to love and help others, nothing is impossible. Besides, I can almost see the twinkle lights at the end of the tunnel. Enjoy preparing for this marvelous, magical season.
ReplyDeletePam you brought tears to my eyes.You write so beautifully and I feel your excitement and exhaustion:)NOTHING better than living close:)I am thrilled for you.That's a wondeful goal.To love and help and bring joy.I don't always succeed .
DeleteHave a nice Sunday..and BON COURAGE.If you are seeing the twinkle lights..then you're nearly there.The final stretch..
That was a lovely read! A sweet photo of you - what a happy child. And hugs from a grandson, it does make life complete, does it not? The snowfall and all your Christmas decorations, so pretty. I’ve yet to unearth mine, as I’m still unpacking boxes. It is a little more difficult to get in the spirit down here among the sunshine & palm trees, but our family is coming for the holidays, so I’d best get started! Joyous holidays to you and yours❣️
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it will be a wonderful time..holidays in Florida.I hold a special place in my heart for Fl..It's those blue skies..and the Gulf of Mexico.♥
DeleteMy neighbour has lost her husband.They have a home there ..she considers her Florida friends..Family also.
Enjoy your new home I know it will be fabulous.
x
Such a cute lantern, love how it looks. So sorry for the loss of your mom at such a young age. So sad about Linda losing the cancer fight. It's such a deadly disease.
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful your grands are filling your heart. I love the hugs that were given. Usually teenagers don't feel comfortable hugging. Happy holidays
Thank you..you too..
DeleteShe fought so valiantly!
I am over the moon my grandsons hug:) And heartfelt hugs and I love yous:) That's all I need lol.
♥♥
I must say although we were not fortunate money wise in my famil..my mom spoiled me in ways she could.It would be so neat for me to spoil her now..Like you spoiled your mom..Scenes I'll never forget:)
My darling husband of forty years died three years ago. I am always asking for, looking for signs. Sometimes he is so immediate and others I worry that I am forgetting the sound of his voice. Grief never leaves. It evolves. There can never be enough love and never too much. Truly believe that is the gift we leave. The all encompassing feeling of safety, acceptance, being cradled and joy
ReplyDeleteJane..as I sat and visited my neighbour yesterday the phone rang.. she said I'll let the machine take it..she said we still have B's voice on it..♥Hae not changed it yet.I said because I wondered aloud if she would not want to keep it.My mom died in '73.I don't have one voice sample of heres..movies were reels w/ no sound..no cell phones..I'd love to hear her voice..and she said oh..but I quickly added her adult daughters must have something recorded..movies on their cell phones etc..Right we both said aloud.
DeleteI'd love to hear her voice..just one more time:)♥
You put it beautifully..grief never leaves it evolves.
At first like the tide..
I am so sorry for your loss Jane.
x
Thank you Monique. Oh how we would spoil and cherish them. Somehow someway I think they know it. Hope so. Your mother would be SO proud of you. What a wonderful legacy.
Deletexoxoxox
DeleteBonsoir ma chère Nana,
ReplyDeleteUne très belle publication avec le bel hommage à ton amie Linda malheureusement partie trop tôt. Je me suis autorisée une visite sur son blog...
Une petite lanterne est une excellente idée...
Une bien jolie famille que la tienne !
Je te souhaite une très belle soirée,
Bisous
Le courage de cette femme ..Elle a laissë dans le deuil son mari ,ses filles,son fils et trois petits-enfants😢Toi aussi🥰🤗
DeleteOh, Monique, such poignant words and thoughts. I was 22 when I lost my dad. I do have many, many wonderful memories, but the loss was difficult for many, many years. Special occasions without him! You are so lucky to have your girls and their boys. Family! I'm grateful that my sister shares her children and grands so generously. My close friends too. Yes, a heart full of gratitude.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course you know I believe IG/blogging friends are real!!! You are and have been over the years!
Our tree is up, lights twinkling, but bare of any other details. I may enjoy it this way, or I may get motivated to decorate tonight. I love autumn, but moving into the holidays of Christmas delights my senses as well. I love the twinkle lights.
Sending love your way!
I love the twinkle lights too:) Sarah you will always create joy and comfort in your home.I don't blame family and friends for sharing their families with you♥Lucky them.
Deletexxx
What a lovely post and I just love your pictures! Oh so you have snow! Here its so grey, windy and dull...no Christmasfeeling at all.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week and take care!
Titti
Thank you Titti..Snow is so welcome in QC around this time as it can be very bleak and brown..so far the snow has stayed but rain expected Thursda..oh lala.
DeleteI think at Christmas time one is flooded with memories. Put out somethings that belonged to my Mother yesterday. She lived to be 99!! I love the way you call your grandsons "littles". They appear to be very special and I am thinking they have a very special Nana!
ReplyDeleteHi Ga!
Delete99 wow..amazing!!
Mine was 55...
Yes it's a time for looking back for sure.
Honestly it's the way they are brought up the boys.Just lovely.Have a good week!
Love from me Ria and Leaf
ReplyDeleteRight back at you🙂🙂
DeleteThere's something about the holidays that makes us remember all of those childhood Christmases. I really don't remember much of them, except the anticipation on Christmas morning. Trying to stay in bed as long as possible but it not working :) Memories of family gathers with my favorite aunt (deceased), my cousins (at least two are gone), my sister (deceased) my mother, dad and step-dad. All gone. We used to have such big family gatherings at my mother's home and sister' as well. I do have videos of my mother talking. It would be hard to watch though. I think you need a wee photo of yourself with your doll house on the mantel in your lantern. ♥ I think I do have a lantern somewhere! I'll have to find some wee furniture. It's such a cute idea! Everything so special about this post. The hugs are so heart warming! The best gift ever!
ReplyDeletewhat a dear and cute idea:)
DeleteI am sorry for your losses and have been your friend through a few.
Always sad to read about the passing of a friend's loved one..
I am glad you.ve been with me through my memories..never fail friend♥
I'm so happy our friendship has continued for so many years...the weddings, the grandsons, the gardens, the kitchen adventures ♥. A package was posted to Hudson yesterday :-)
DeleteA package was poste to you Nov 30th:):):)LOL♥
DeleteSuch a cute, happy Christmas pic of you in dotted Swiss (we used to call it). Plus black velvet sash!
ReplyDeleteI think its a sign when the elevator is on the landing, waiting or the bus comes fast. Both happened today. But a sign of what i’m not sure…must think…
Of course!Dotted Swiss☺️
DeleteWhat a lovely post, Monique. The lantern idea is so sweet. I keep old issues of Christmas magazines, too, and look through them each year. I am so sorry that you lost your mom at such an early age. Both of my parents are still living - 85, and 87 - and each Christmas I wonder if this is the last one with them together. So I try to make the most of each moment. I call them often - they live in Abbotsford and I live on the Island - so we don't see each other really often. It was hard being apart during Covid.
ReplyDeleteLove the photo of you as a child. We never know what life holds, do we? Lovely hug from your grandson-love through the generations.
Abbotsford I hope all is well..such devastating news coming from there!
DeleteYou are a lucky one..enjoy every precious moment.
Younger I was actually jealous of friends with moms because my girls didn’t get to be loved by my mom ..friends children got gifts at at Christmases and birthdays..my mom would have and oh my god she would have adored them.she lost a daughter at age 5..so these two would have perhaps helped .
My parents and siblings and lots of extended family are all safe from the flooding. It truly is terrible for those who have lost homes and livelihoods. But their spirits are strong and we are all working together.
DeleteOne of my granddaughters has lost her other two grandparents in the past couple of years, and I am very cognizant that my husband and I are her only grandparents. I want to leave her with good memories to hold over the years. It would have been so hard to raise your girls without the loving support of your mom.
I am certain you are knocking the grandparent honor out of the ballpark🙏🙂🙂🙂So hard for people in Abbotsford😢
DeleteI am all teary now...that was a really sweet post. Thank you. xoxoxo
ReplyDelete💞💞💞
DeleteI wish I had signs from my mother, but I don't. I feel her a lot in the things I do -- especially at this time of year -- but they are memories, not signs. Even a dream. I miss them both so much, but at this time of year, especially mom. How she would have loved to see my life.
ReplyDeleteEvery photo here is exquisite, every memory beautiful. I love them all.
I think it comforts me to know that I am not the only one..Thanks Jeanie.And I know you miss them..so dear ..
DeleteWhy do I keep forgetting to read your blogs? I saw something on IG that made me remember to come over here. I'm so glad I did. I love the photo of little M with your huge smile, pretty dress and shiny shoes. You looked like a little doll! And the talk about looking for 'signs' and getting hugs made me teary. I am always looking for signs too. I think they come to me in dreams. I will try to be a better blog follower.
ReplyDelete🤗🤗🤗no need to be better you are a pleasure anytime!
DeleteI know those signs………I want some before time is gone….
I don't know how I missed this Monique! A beautiful post as always. You are such an artist with your photos, words, art. And so very generous with all of them always. I truly hope that you have a wonderful day being able to gather with your family. Maybe you all be blessed beyond measure. Family is everything at the end of the day. I love little Monique. So precious a photo to have. I am struggling this year a bit. I suppose last year I was so much in shock that I just somehow muddled through everything. This year, no tree, all my ornaments gone, memories from all the years of my life. I am building new ones but my heart sometimes aches for the old and then I just brush it away or try to anyways! I don't know that I have the money or heart to begin it all again. I do have a snowflake hung in my window. I had put up my mother's nativity scene, but took it down this morning as the cats had discovered it and I don't want any of it to be broken. Maybe next year will be better decoration wise! They will be older and calmer. I am hoping my oldest son will come with his wife and their two boys but with Covid you cannot really depend on much. It is bad in NB, but all have been vaccinated now. I don't think our loved ones send us burning bushes when they send us signs, just tiny little flickers. I have the odd one, but were I not looking for them I might miss them. And yes like Arlene, in dreams. Those are the best ones of all. Your boys
ReplyDelete. . . such a treasure. xoxo
You will build up the material things again..look how far you have come.Most would just curl up and wallow.Never forget what you have accomplished and how you are now with family.The best is yet to come for you Marie🙏⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
DeleteThe article you shared here is amazing. I really like and appreciate your work.
ReplyDeletewordpress
ufa88kh.blogspot
youtube
ស្លតកាស៊ីណូអនឡាញ