Friday, December 27, 2013

And So This Was Christmas

Going into this holiday season, I wasn’t sure how my family would cope, being our first Christmas without Kyle. But—I don’t know how to put this in words—it was good, and I think it’s because we chose to remember him rather than mourn him. We pulled together and had sweatshirts made that feature his Pluvial Gardens book cover on the front and text from the poem on the back with his name and life years. We all put our shirts on and then went outside for a photo in the snow. I’ve worn it each day since. Maybe, I’ll give it a rest tomorrow—maybe.

My sister surprised her husband with this ornament—the photo below was taken by my brother-in-law, Bob—a symbol of a father and son's shared passion for music, and he got her a sapphire necklace, the stone for Kyle's birth month September. Very touching. Christmas 2013 for us was about a family that lost a very special member, about how we got knocked down but not out, how we took as much of the sting out of our pain as we could, how we’re stronger now because he’s still with us in his words and in spirit. Always will be.


I hope all of you find some peace this season. From my family to yours, we wish you the best of New Years.
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14 comments:

  1. Naomi JohnsonDecember 27, 2013 at 10:27 PM

    May the peace you wish for us find its way back to you.

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  2. David CranmerDecember 28, 2013 at 5:41 AM

    Good to hear from you, Naomi. And very kind words. Thank you.

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  3. Leah J. UtasDecember 28, 2013 at 10:04 AM

    Tough time well handled.

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  4. David CranmerDecember 28, 2013 at 10:17 AM

    Best of the holidays to you, Leah.

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  5. AnonymousDecember 28, 2013 at 12:29 PM

    Thank you for always being there for us Dave,I dont think you will ever realize how much you've done. RLKjr.

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  6. David CranmerDecember 28, 2013 at 8:31 PM

    Wiping tears here. Thank you.

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  7. ChrisDecember 28, 2013 at 10:26 PM

    All the best to you and yours, Dave. It's a pleasure to know you and an honor to call you friend.

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  8. Prashant C. TrikannadDecember 29, 2013 at 7:29 AM

    David, thank you for sharing the lovely family picture. I wish you and your family peace of mind, good health, and every happiness in the new year and after.

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  9. David CranmerDecember 29, 2013 at 10:17 AM

    Means a lot, Chris. Thanks. Make sure you and Julia have the best New Years eve, amigo. Wish I was there to raise a toast.

    Prashant, All those beautiful words right back to you. All the best in 2014 to you and you family.

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  10. pattinase (abbott)December 29, 2013 at 11:24 AM

    This was a Christmas that could have been stressful for us. Plane flights, train flights, visitors from NY, new people to meet, but everything worked well and I am glad yours was good too.

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  11. Charles GramlichDecember 29, 2013 at 11:27 AM

    Remember, rather than forget. Yes!

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  12. David CranmerDecember 29, 2013 at 11:55 AM

    Patti & Charles, All my thoughts, prayers, and good vibes to both of you and your families.

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  13. Barbara MartinDecember 31, 2013 at 12:08 AM

    Thank you for sharing this touching time, David. May your 2014 be blessed in all ways.

    My own Christmas had a delay with trains late and last minute arrival to catch the homeward bound one. Hectic four days, however, things should quieten and improve for the coming new year.

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  14. UnknownJanuary 2, 2014 at 5:26 AM

    I had a very quiet, low-key Christmas, which in some ways was a nice change of pace from a somewhat hectic Thanksgiving. All the same, I’m grateful for my family and my friends near and far.

    I wish you the best 2014 for you and your family, David.

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