Some of you might know that one of my four brothers died on 12-12-12. I got the call that evening and was shocked beyond comprehension. Youngish, sturdy and strong, with a heart as big as Texas, Jeff succumbed to complications from a surgery that should have been routine. I miss him terribly; his gruff southern accent, his very amusing and philosophical views on the world, and the way we laughed to tears at jokes that only a brother and sister could think were funny!
My heart broken, I travelled home to bury him and to be with my family. I just returned two nights ago. Needless to say our Christmas celebrations have been almost nonexistent.
But today our small west coast family gathered for Boxing Day and opening presents. I found great solace in taking a little time to create a small celebration, including a real southern menu for dinner and decorating the table with simple things like a manzanita branch and old family things. I just wish Jeff were here to celebrate with us; but I know that he is somewhere with a great big set of new angel wings growing out of his back, and will probably swoop down for a peek. He had no end of fascination with the way his sister fussed around with things.
Simply done, and the best I could muster under the circumstances. The evening brought a measure of cheer and comfort to those of us mourning his loss. We had a quiet, peaceful time together.
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| simple bay leaves are pretty against the silver charger and shell plates; different patterns of silverware and heirloom glass plates are part of the simple holiday setting |
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| that's a manzanita branch standing in for extemporaneous centerpiece surrounded by votives and some greenery from the garden |
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| pretty vintage glass plates for bread and butter |
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| the manzanita is topped by a Monrovian star that my grandmother Amie brought back from her travels to Turkey in the 1920's |
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| the soft glow of candlelight is irresistible |
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| the sideboard with angels marching across |
hoping this season finds you happy and warm
and in the heart of your family
with love from Kit
I am s incerely and most heartily sorry to read your sad news of the loss of your brother.
ReplyDeleteMay you find solace in the love of family and friends, and comfort in your Faith.
My prayers are with you at this sad time....it is especially rough during the holidays.
Peace be with you.
Hugs,
Michele
Michele thank you so much for visiting...and for the prayers and kindness. Peace also be with you.
DeleteKit
Dear Kit! I' m so sorry! I hope you will survive the pain and that one day it is possible for you to think of him without sorrow! I wish you the best! With love, Geli
ReplyDeleteDear Geli you are such a dear, your message brings me comfort and cheer...love to you, Kit
DeleteDearest Kit,
ReplyDeleteI am SO very sorry to hear about your brothers passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and I pray that your wonderful memories will be of comfort to you during this difficult time.
Blessings to you my friend.
Laura
Sweet Laura, thanks for your very kind message and for the blessings.. and to you as well.
Deletexoxo Kit
Kit I'm very sorry for your loss. Your Jeff sounds a lot like my brother who passed away several years ago. As I age it seems that I have more and more angels watching over me...much too soon. I hope 2013 brings you peace and sweet blessings. Haut les cœurs et bonne année de Louisiane.
ReplyDeleteHow terribly unexpected and heartbreaking for you and your family. I am sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures of your table are simply elegant and beautiful, however. Perhaps your brother was guiding your eyes and hands as you set the table.
With deepest sympathy,
Terri
Dear Kit: How very difficult for you and all your family. No matter when a death occurs, there is a huge hole left in our lives. It heals...in time..but never completely. Best wishes to you and our prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteoxox Libby
I'm sorry to hear that. Your brother is missed. He's now surround by angels. My heart goes to you and your family. The table setting is pretty. Wish you a blessed 2013 and beyond.
ReplyDeleteTerrie thanks so much, he is missed. Wishing you a wonderful 2013 as well.
ReplyDeletexo Kit
Dear Kit, My heart breaks for you - I know how hard this is. Jeff will be missed always, but the memories of him - the good and funny days, will be with you. - Wishing you a very blessed and joyous 2013.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is broken for you, I am so very sorry. Your brother will be missed so much but, my prayer is that as time passes memories replace the sorrow you all feel. God bless and keep you.
ReplyDeleteI don't really know you...I just happed upon your post on TT. My husband and I had a small wager going the other day as to whether it was "Boxing Day" or, as he said, "Boxer's Day". Needless to say, Google to the rescue, and I won! I was thrilled to see a post entitle "Boxing Day" so that I could rub it in just a little bit more. Now that I have read your post, though, I feel compelled to offer my condolences. I am so profoundly sorry. I hardly know the words to express my feelings, although I can honestly say there is nothing but sorrow there. I very suddenly lost my only brother in a motorcycle accident 13 years ago, so I do completely understand the depth of your grief. May God bless and keep your family as you learn to deal with your dear brother's absence, and my God keep and bless his soul.
ReplyDeleteKit--so sad to hear of your loss--what a heart breaker that is to lose someone so dear unexpectedly. I hope the memories will help sustain you through this time--my best to you in the new year.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss at what is supposed to be a joyous time of year.
ReplyDeleteMay you have a happier New Year.
I am so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteThe table is beautiful, and I love the angel wing napkin arrangement.
Darling Kit,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful posting that I just read today. I am so very sorry for your loss. Call when you can and I hope a trip to NYC may still be in the cards. I would love to pamper you here.
With lots of love to you and Chris,
Gretchen