Wednesday Roll Call (AKA as Christmas Roll Call)

Happy Christmas to one and all! I will be with my family in about 8+ hours to hug and kiss them all.

I am still up because my oldest sister went to be with her Lord and Savior at 00:11 this morning. I gathered with my family at my niece's home about 6 blocks from us and we received a call to come to the hospital. Three of the daughters and myself drove up to McHenry to be with the rest of the siblings and spouses to say our final good byes. They took her off life support and while we were all in the room praying, reading scripture and singing I suggested they get the one sister on the phone from NM and she was with us via speaker phone when Gracie died. I cannot say enough about the doctor, hospital staff and the chaplin. They brought us coffee, cookies, soda and water. TEEHEE - we invaded the staff potty because we figured out the door code when they pressed it to go in. Real simple 1 2 3 4 5 not very original . . .

I cannot think of a better day for her to die as Christmas was her favorite time of the year.

What is happening with the rest of you today?

Merry Christmas everyone!

Chris, I'm sorry for your loss, but it seemed like a joyous passing, as much as possible. My dad died like that. We were all relieved his suffering was over. 

Kay and I are enjoying Little Rock and today we drive to El Dorado to pick up our granddaughter. She turns 12 next week and is so fun to be with. Today will be a fun day!

Enjoy the day and the gift it brings,

Connie

Merry Christmas Chris and Peeps,

Chris I am so happy your sister had such a wonderful send-off to go home to Jesus. I know it still hurts, you have my sympathies and of course prayers for your family, especially the daughters who lost their mom. I still really miss my mom whose been gone 2 years, especially as I take over all the functions and traditions she kept.

Last night we had a house-full and it was magical with the grand babies. They were so much fun to watch. My daughter seemed peaceful and happy. A mom cant ask for more than that.

Today I am leaving my robe on all day and staying in. G is off to Englewood in the city to see his parents. I begged off and he understood. I am looking forward to some alone time with a good book and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Besides I have some cleaning up to do.

Nancy, some of my presents did not arrive as promised by Amazon. I guess UPS just could not get it here in time due to the large amount of last minute shoppers who took advantage of free 2-day shipping.

Crystal, cant wait to hear how the parent thing went.

Love to all,

Sharon

Merry Christmas Everyone!

First, Chris, I am so sorry for your loss.  I am not looking forward to losing my sisters.  I cannot begin to understand how much that must hurt.  Her passing sounds peaceful and to be surrounded by family is a wonderful way to leave this world.  May the memories of the times you and your sister shared help comfort you during this time of grief.  My heart goes out to you.

Today we are having a laid back day.  I spoke with both of my sisters.  The one in Florida did not receive her gift.  But she now knows it is coming.  The kids were so excited they had the entire household up at 4am to open presents.  The even woke up my sisters dog who is deaf.    So my nieces and sister in Florida had an early Christmas.  All the presents were open and naps taken before  9 am!

My sister in northern Illinois is with her grandkids and son.  Barb has the flu.  IT seams to hit one of us every Christmas.  This year it is her turn.  We did not talk a long time.

Rick and I slept in and then gave the cats their stockings.  The toys were a hit.  They even got some food samples from the groomer yesterday where Fluffer has an appointment.  Buffy decided to prepare her own breakfast by opening one of the packages.  So she likes that food.  But then she likes all food!

Rick and I exchanged presents.  He gave me a beautiful ring engraved with both of our names.  I gave him a new Garmin.  I got a top and a sweater and money from my sisters so I did well.  

I hope each of you is enjoying time with your loved ones.  May each of you have a blessed Christmas.  

Merry Christmas to All.

Christine, I am so sorry to hear of your sisters death. If something would happen to mine, It would probably kill me,

We had a nice gettogether yesterday with family and friends. We only ended up with one extra coat. We think we know who it belongs to, so I will call them later.

Monica and Scott were here most of the afternoon and evening. They stayed overnight, we had breakfast and opened gifts and they then went to Scotts parents. Morgan came over with her Dad last evening and stayed awhile. Then Monica and Scott picked her up this morning before breakfast. 

I gave Hubert a $100 gift card from Menards, his favorite cigars, a tool he wanted and a puzzle. Also a coin sorter, He gave me a Pandora bracelet, a Danbury Mint bracelet and a Bradford exchange necklace. The necklace is for our anniversary in Jan. 

We will have a steak and Lobster dinner later.

Have a joy filled day.

Huggers,

Thanks all for the condolences. I have a unique family. I am the youngest of seven. The 3 oldest are from my mother's first marriage (Gracie). My full siblings are all still alive and kicking. I saw 2 of the 4 today and spoke with the 4th on the phone while on the way to Elgin.

My sister who died had 3 kids (girl and twin boys) that are older than me, their next sister is 4 months younger than me and the next is 2 years my junior. Me, the boys and their 2 younger sisters all went to HS together. There are 4 more kids born after that. We all grew up to be more of cousins than me being an aunt. In recent years I have become more of an "adopted sister" as I am included in many of the "girlie" events with all of the sisters. Even though Grace (AKA BeBe) was my half sister we always had a very unique relationship as did my other full siblings, she was more of a mom than a big sister. I can still hear her tell people when I was introduced to them that this is Chris, my baby sister. My mom's name was Grace, my sister's the same and nieces with the first or middle name of Grace also. The history behind BeBe is that my oldest brother could not say Grace when she was born and in the baby bed - "look at the BeBe", (little boy talk for baby, hence BeBe). George could not pronounce Grace . He was only 18 months old at the time. George, BeBe and Shirley are gone now and I miss and will miss all of them over time  . . .