Sunday, December 4, 2022

Sunday, December 4, 2022

Tonight's picture was taken in December of 2002. Mattie was 8 months old and desperately trying to walk. Mattie showed no interest in crawling, in fact if I put him in a crawling position, he would correct himself and sit. All I knew was Mattie had strong little legs and he was determined and insistent that I hold his hands so he could walk around and explore the world around him. 

Quote of the day: And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain: when you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what the storm’s all about. ~ Haruki Murkami

After my usual morning routine, Peter and I started decorating inside the house. We are making great progress, and really it is amazing that we can decorate at all, since we are out of practice. We haven't taken out one Christmas item since Mattie died, and it wasn't until last year when my parents moved in, that we resurrected Christmas in our home. 

When Peter and I used to visit his parents in Boston around Christmas time, Peter's mom would take out this stained glassed tree and put it in our bedroom to celebrate the season. In addition, their relatives from England sent them miniature cottages at Christmas time. I have now inherited the cottages and the stained glassed tree. 

For me this is a bittersweet display, because I remember these items when I was much younger, when I did not know about childhood cancer, and when I was able to leave my house and visit family and celebrate the season. With all that said, I am honored to have these pieces as they remind me of happier times. 

I love this little shelf above our front door. We try to decorate it to reflect the season. Today we put up a bough of pine and Christmas tree candles. 

Several years ago, I made this wreath for my parents in Los Angeles. Now it is on our door! 

The kitchen has this cute niche. It is another place that I decorate according to the season. 

Pops of red everywhere! Red is a color Mattie and I both LOVE! We plan on getting a tree this coming week, so more decorating to come.