Dear Mike,
We had Christmas again, without you. Not by choice mind you, it just has to be that way now. We all miss you and wish you were here with us. We miss your laugh and your way of telling stories. We miss your body in the kitchen with your brother preparing the meal and the table – with all the relatives. We miss you singing Grateful Dead songs, discussing current events and kissing us on top of our heads.
I missed the sudden shock on your face when you realized that Christmas was tomorrow and we needed to go out and get stuff. One year we drove out east to buy a surfboard for a kid. He wouldn’t need it for a few months but on Christmas Eve you decided that since he learned how to surf in California that past summer, it was a new sport he may want to engage in. He loved that surfboard and it looked so awesome by the tree that Christmas morning.
Your tradition of taking me out on Christmas Eve began after a few too many kitchen appliances and such. We decided a day out shopping and having lunch would guarantee a happy wife. I wanted a new coat and you opted to get me a new Mac Book one year. That was fun. Lunch at the mall always followed, then dressing for church and out to dinner on Christmas Eve.
We kept the tradition of church and dinner on Christmas Eve this year. Just the 3 of us. Tables in restaurants can be so cruel as there is always one seat that isn’t filled.
I couldn’t stay up to watch St. Patrick’s live midnight mass in New York City on T.V. like we always did. The boys and I agreed on a movie we could all enjoy and so that is what we did.
I made the kids Mario’s Eggs – a slightly modified version, on Christmas morning. The recipe is from your mom’s friend and 2 of us loved it. The other kid not so much.
We had a full house for Christmas. Twelve people around the table. The food was awesome. Peirogies, kielbasi and shrimp cocktail for appetizers. Eggplant and Lasagna. Then a few funny games.
I know you wouldn’t usually play games, but these were fun. One we had to use oven mitts to open presents. It was tricky but people got into it. Even your mom gave it a good effort. If you got it open you could keep the prize. Lotto Tickets!
Next was drawing a picture on a paper plate that is on top of your head. It is a Christmas scene and you get points for certain things like if the stocking touches the mantle or the star is above the tree. A prize is awarded for the most points.
Then it was the ever engaging game of LRC, Left Right Center. Everyone used dollars and the competition for the big pot of money goes around the group until the last person wins. Even the boys liked this game!
After the dishes were washed we started the main course which was your brother’s Prime Rib and mashed potatoes, the way my dad used to make them. Simple and delicious. We had a few veggies and gravy and the meat was delish.
We opened presents. Your mom gave me Lenox and I gave her Lenox too! Always such a pretty and classic gift. Lots of soft, furry items were exchanged to keep us all warm during these cold winter months. We got lots of candy which you would have loved! Good stuff.
Finally it was time for dessert and coffee.
Your mom and I looked at pictures of Matt and me in Italy last spring. He is beginning to look a lot like you. She commented that she sees you in him more now than she used to. I agree.
The boys are doing well. Both are looking to do some traveling this year. I hopefully will too.
I met someone special this year who makes me smile. He came to Christmas dinner and met your family. I think it was difficult at times but people are happy for me and he is good to me.
I miss you lots but am learning how to move forward with the strength that your love gave me. I will always love you.
Kris
27 Responses
I am glad you had a beautiful Christmas Kristin! What a heartwarming letter to your love! <3 <3 <3
Thanks Tara. I hope your Christmas was great too.
sounds like the memories are still with you, but that you are creating new memories, that will of course evolve as time goes on…especially since you have mentioned a person who makes you smile, who is maybe quite new in your life…
Yes. Life is all about balance. Embracing both the past and present. Thanks for reading.
Beautiful day, you are awesome, and funny, I saw it too, a few times when Matt walked unto a room, I thought it was Mike, our loved ones are never far away but happy to see us going on with life and the world GOD has waiting for us.
I’m not related to you, Addie – but just you have said about Matt/Mike – there is something similar in my family/relatives. One of nephews died unexpected in his mid 50s and every time his daughter posts a picture of her son, Hayden – family say there’s Rick (same cheeky smile that Rick had when he was Haydens’ age)
So happy to have spent the day with you!
This post is beautiful. God bless you and your family! I can tell from your post that you are a strong woman surrounded by a strong family. I’m glad you were able to have an enjoyable Christmas despite the absence of someone dear. Though physically absent, he will always be present in your heart until you finally meet again one day. Keep being strong!
Thank you for reading and your kind comments. I appreciate the support.
What a beautiful, cathartic posting! XOXO
Thanks for reading again Leslie!! Xo
This was such a sweet post! Made me tear up! Thank you for sharing this. Hugs to you and your family. 🙂
Thanks for reading and your kind comment.
Very touching, thank you for sharing!
Thanks for reading.
A very emotional read, genuinely brought a tear to my eye! Wishing you luck and positivity in 2018 x
Thank you for reading and sharing your comment.
What a beautiful letter. An empty spot at Christmas is never easy.
Thank you. So true
brave and beautiful to share this. I know the feeling of missing someone loved duriing Christmas
xx
lau
http://www.malibluemymind.com
Thank you for reading and your kind comment. I’m sorry you can relate to missing someone at Christmas.
This post is so beautiful, very heart warming. Happy Holidays!
Thank you for your nice comment and Happy Holidays to you too.
this post is quite emotional, a special day like christmas without the presence of your beloved might feel quite incomplete, but the love leads on. merry christmas, and i hope you and your beloved have a wonderful holiday season! 🙂
Thank you for your comment and for reading. Wishing you a happy new year.
This is such a powerful and moving post. I read it several times as it such a beautiful tribute to an amazing man.
Thank you Karen. I know you guys miss him too.