The following message (subject: The New Year) was posted by Adrianne, on 12/31/2004 7:23:05 PM.

My parents and I just made it through our second Christmas without my brother, John. He passed away in October 2003 so it was the first Christmas without shock protecting us from the painful truth.
But we made it--went hiking, watched movies, did nothing slightly Christmas-like.
I was proud of us--that we managed to keep it together.

I haven't been here in a while but I wanted to tell all of you on this site that I have been keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this extra difficult holiday season.

So many people do forget about the losses which have turned our lives upside down. They ask cheerfully "How was your Christmas?" They say things like "You skipped Christmas? You're lucky. You don't have to spend all that money on presents, etc."

That's why it means so much to know there is a place where people do understand. I wish you didn't but it does bring me a bit of comfort.

I will continue thinking about all of you and wishing you strength as we face yet one more holiday tonight at midnight.