Christmas 2011
Mom and Dad, I wanted to share my Holiday story with you. You would be very happy to hear I spent it with Aunt Mattie. Yes, I know that is a wish you have had for both us for many years. See, dreams can come true with guardian angels from above. We had a wonderful weekend together with Sandy & Casey. We stayed at Barona Casino in beautiful rooms and the tempature was almost 80 degrees. You two would have loved it. We got to talk and reminisce about times in Maine with you and Dad. We laughed at Casino stories and how much Dad really loved to gamble. I know where my desire to gamble comes from comes from :)
I am proud to tell you I made it thru this Holiday season because I reached deep inside and found inner strength I never knew I had. Mom, you always told me I was a strong woman. That I could overcome anything I faced. That I would hold my head up high with dignity; you were right Mom. I have faced adversity like I never thought possible this past year after Dad passed in July. All the horrbile stories you hear about families being torn apart are true. I thought my brothers would be there for support, but instead they were very angry you put me in charge. Grief affects us all differently and there are no time frames; I had hoped our family would have stood united. I told you & Dad there would be problems but you insisted I would do the right thing. I would know what had to be done because I had the experience and most of all the strength. Well I did Mom, I know you and Dad are proud of me. Time will heal their pain and anger; I pray for them each day.
I promise you & Dad, I will be there for Dylan and Max just like you and Dad were their entire life. We are very close and I am so grateful for my two wonderful nephews. They are extaordinary young men and they would make you and Papa proud. It is not easy without you because they miss you very much. They still do not talk about it openly. But just know I am here for them whenever they need me and they both know that. I hope to have them spend next Christmas with me Mom in San Diego. They are very excited to come here....I will make it a special visit for them, one they will always remember and cherish.
I know you & Dad are together and watching over us here. I can feel it and it gives me great comfort. I will see you both again and until I do, rest assured you are in my thoughts evey day and I send love your way.
I Love you Mom and Dad more than you know, Vicky