A bittersweet Christmas

We had such a lovely time at the cabin again this year for Christmas.We enjoyed playing games, cooking and visiting. We even went down to the pool and sat outside in the hot tub in below freezing weather. Christmas was everything it should be together as a family.

It has been hard to even write this post, as going on about all of our happy times over our Christmas holiday seem so bittersweet after the news we received December 26th.

We all arrived home with the most devastating, heart breaking news. My grandma Wheeler, my mom's mom was in a car with 5 of my family members when they were struck head on by a truck who had hit ice. We lost my grandma that day and it's been really hard to grasp. I am grateful my other family members, though injured will recover and be okay. I am thankful no other lives were lost in this tragedy.

I have so many wonderful memories of her and I'll cherish them forever. She taught me how to sew, how to knit and crochet. She was patient with me as a child and would read to my sister and I, allowing my sister to "pretend" read the books by making up stories based on the photos :)   She would play in the river with us and take us roller skating. I remember how she would let me steer the car on country roads when I was getting ready to learn to drive. I loved watching movies with her and trying to guess the plot with her. I remember how much she loved Christmas candy (the hard candy in pretty swirls) and how her spot was on the love seat next to the fireplace...where her coffee, glasses and cigarettes would rest near by. I remember her smell and how she would record my height on the wall in the hallway each visit. I loved her. I miss her.   So, sorry about not posting a new update about Christmas. I just didn't know what to say.

I'll leave this post with photos of our time at the cabin. It truly was a memorable Christmas, despite the sadness at the end.

I hope everyone had a beautiful holiday. Wishing you ALL a safe and happy New Year.
Love,
Tessa Ann*