A Year Without Christmas

It has been difficult to get into the spirit this year... when life resembles a blues song. Earlier this year (March), our family dog was killed in an accident, then I was told my job was being phased out at the end of this year (and unfortunately, I have yet to receive any calls on the more than sixty resumes I have sent out), and on December 6th, I got the worst news I could have received when my maternal grandmother passed away at the age of 85. Granted, she had a long, fulfilling life, but in the last months of her life, Alzheimer's robbed her of her identity. She rarely knew us (and at some points, even herself) in her waning days... and I can't help thinking I could have visited her more towards the end. She was an amazing woman, and I will certainly miss her the most over the next two days, as we all used to gather around her at Christmas. So, Granny Ramsey, I am sending my thoughts out to you this holiday season. While I am at it, I also wanted to thank everyone who came out to pay their respects. Her legacy was far-reaching and the outpouring of love from her community was much-appreciated.