by Sonia M.
Member since:
July 22, 2006

Mele Kalikimaka

December 21, 2008 04:14 PM EST
views: 81 | comments: 27

 

Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año Nuevo!  

 

This year has been a hard one for me.  If any of you followed my articles about moving our parents from their home of almost 55 years earlier this year to an assisted living facility near my two brothers and how much time I ended up spending away from my own home....you can get an idea.

The month of December was a sad one and one fraught with much worry.  My son was in the hospital with pneumonia in both lungs and my mom died during that time.  I was not able to go and be with my siblings at this time, but we will be getting together several months from now to celebrate her life.

Still, I am thankful for having had her in my life even pass my own middle aged years.

I apologize for not keeping up with the work of my friends and hope that this coming year things will be easier so that I can once again enjoy time spent with my Gather friends.

I am thankful to have you in my life.

Sonia

 

Photo taken by Sonia, October 16, 2008 during a yard tour of our friends Carol and Bob's gorgeous property - Hawaii, the Big Island.

 
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Comments: 27

Cristina S. Dec 21, 2008, 4:26pm EST
Sonia,
Yes, it sounds very sad...
I am sorry you had all of this going on at once -
Big hug, and may the New Year bring you happier times!
Cristina
Mariana T. Dec 21, 2008, 4:33pm EST
Dear Sonia: I am very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I know that this has been a rough year for you and I do hope that 2009 will be a better one. The flower picture is beautiful and I wish you a season of peace. Salud
Katrina Hall Dec 21, 2008, 4:35pm EST
Oh dear, dear Sonia! I am so sorry about your Mom - and you must worry about your son, on top of everything else that's gone on. Here's hoping the sun comes out for you, and joy comes to you at random, wonderful moments.
Madame Donna C. Dec 21, 2008, 4:52pm EST
Sonia, Merry Christmas to you! Here's wishing you and your family good health, joyful moments and plenty of nourishing food and friends in the days to come. You are a precious friend, Sonia, and I'm thankful to have you in my life too.
elizabeth e. Dec 21, 2008, 4:55pm EST
May 2009 be a better year for you Sonia. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Rhetta A. Dec 21, 2008, 5:03pm EST
Sonia, I am sorry to hear of the troubles you have had and your mom's passing, but I feel sure 2009 will be a much better year for you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!
Tonia, who hugs trees G. Dec 21, 2008, 5:04pm EST
Ahhh Sonia - here's wishing you a gentle holiday season, and a coming year that is filled with all sorts of wonderful experiences.
Oh, Sonia! I had no idea you were going through this. I'm so, so sorry for your loss.

It seems like many people are struggling with rough times this year.
Richard Frisbie Dec 21, 2008, 5:35pm EST
At least you and your son have survived, there are small blessings and large in life to celebrate too. Too better days! and a Healthy and prosperous New Year.
Merry Christmas, Sonia!
Sonia M. Dec 21, 2008, 6:43pm EST
Thank you, Cristina, Mariana, Katrina, Madame D, Bob, Rhetta, Tonia, Ina and Richard....

I have made some wonderful friends at Gather and am thankful for everyone of you....
I met Madame D in person and she is even more fabulous than I ever thought possible
;-)..... and I hope to get to meet many of you face to face someday.

Meantime....Happy Holidays to all and be safe.
Joan O. Dec 21, 2008, 6:52pm EST
Sonia, you've been in my thoughts and prayers as has Anthony. I do hope he's feeling better really soon. Here's wising you and yours all the best in 2009. May your Mother's memories live in your heart for the rest of your days. Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!
Big virtual hugs coming your way.
~~ Sarina ~~ Dec 21, 2008, 7:50pm EST
Sonia, I wish you peace. Hearts can ache, but they do heal. Big huggers to you.
Chris E. Dec 21, 2008, 7:52pm EST
Mele Kalikimaka! I hope your 2009 is a better year.

I sure miss Christmas in Hawaii. Such great years and memories for me.
Risa G. Dec 21, 2008, 8:05pm EST
Sonia, Merry Christmas to you too. It's the first night of Chanukah here.

To a happier year for you in 2009!
Sonia, you have had a sad, rough year. I too lost my Mom in the last year & the anniversary is on the 26th - in just a few days & I am so dreading it.
Sonia M. Dec 21, 2008, 11:39pm EST
Thank you, Joan. Anthony is doing better but we were told it would take weeks if not months to recover from double pneumonia...he does sleep a lot more, but I feel that is good for him.

Thank you, Sarina...

Chris, Christmas in Hawaii is different for sure....although much of the same as y'all do in the mainland is also done here....

Hi, Risa.... wish I could taste the latkes your'e making....the recipe sounds a bit different but good!

I'm sorry about your mom too, Priscilla. It is so hard to realize we can't turn to them with questions and concerns.... I know you dread the anniversary, but just try to keep the good memories close to your heart.
John F Walter Dec 22, 2008, 9:46am EST
A wonderful Christmas to you, my dear Sonia. In spite of your hardship you have been able to see the true meaning of Christmas better than anyone I know, and I have told the story of your childhood and the ironwood tree and cotton and oranges for sweets about a half a dozen times to others to reinforce what is all we need to celebrate Christmas, gratitude and each other. God bless you, my dear, and keep you warm each of the twelve nights of Christmas.
Sonia M. Dec 22, 2008, 10:25am EST
Gracias, John, the longer I live, the more I realize that simple is best.. .....Felices Navidades to you and Inma....

The last part of Cuban Christmas Memories of Long Ago is now out....scroll down as it is the last one on the site. Also a link to the first part can be found there.
We love you, Sonia, and offer great big warm hugs to help you through your time of sorrow. ((Hugs))
Sonia M. Dec 23, 2008, 10:33am EST
Thank you, Aaron. I do love and miss my Gather friends.
Thanks for the hug...I can use all of them that come my way.
Μόףףý ● ķ ~ Dec 23, 2008, 10:37am EST
I'm so sorry about your mom Sonia. I'm glad your son is doing better.

(((((((((hugs))))))))) Mele Kalikimaka!
Lisa Gensheimer Dec 23, 2008, 10:41am EST
Sending you good cheer from the north country where we are about to get blasted with an ice storm. Many thanks for all of your sunny flowers, stories and recipes that bring warmth to my table all year long.
Sonia M. Dec 23, 2008, 10:47am EST
Thank you so much, Moggy....Mele Kalikimaka to you and yours also.

Lisa, all I can say is that I'm glad we are not the ones being blasted with the snow and ice....but so sorry that so many are having to go through it.... Be safe!
I enjoy sharing the flowers, stories and recipes and it warms my heart when they are well received.
~♥~ Kim ~♥~ Dec 23, 2008, 9:45pm EST
I am so sorry to hear of your Mother passing. I am glad your son is recovering. I hope this coming year is kinder to you and your family.
Sonia M. Dec 24, 2008, 12:54am EST
Thank you, Kim.
Lou Anne L. Jan 30, 2009, 9:10pm EST
I hope your spirits are lifting there on that big island....
everytime I see your icon.... I think of setting there and just taking in a deep breath...visiting the water falls you posted pics of...and walking through your garden.
OH and cooking....LOL....
Sonia M. Feb 1, 2009, 1:20pm EST
Hi, Lou Anne....thank you. My spirits need lifting... I can't seem to get out of this foggy place I find myself in at this time....

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