I have always said that on Christmas, what is under the tree, is never as remarkable as who is on the couch. The people and dogs on the couch, they are my gifts.
Our Christmas was delightful, although the couch was a lot empty without Melvin. I’ve been trudging through the holiday season trying to think of anything but him. I’m in that odd place that is…grey? safe? Where I can handle the reality but I keep memories at arms reach. I know I can’t keep the two separate forever. I’m working on bridging that gap, but it’s hard to force myself to sit down to look at photos and videos. I can be very stubborn. I got a Christmas gift that is a reminder to keep working on that. My SIL (sister-in-love) got two of my core beliefs made into prints and framed. The moment I opened them, I knew exactly where they would go. Also, I think it goes without saying that my heart filled with joy and I started crying!
The year is ending, a new one will begin. While I don’t want to stay in any year, we are meant to move forward, this year feels harder to move out of. It was the worst of all the years (this from someone who almost died twice in 2007), but it’s also the last year that Melvin was here. And that makes it a spectacular year in so many ways! He was only here for four months of 2015, but his beautiful spirit has filled each and every day with his everlasting presence in my heart. Something I’m so thankful for!
Keep chasing joy. Love lives on.
So, I shall bid farewell to 2015, knowing that moments of it are now a part of the core of who I am. A year of love and grief and joy and heartache. And I will say hello to 2016, a year that has nothing but opportunity for more happy and love. And I thank YOU, for being a part of all our years, no matter what they bring.
Happy New Year!! We hope that you make some beautiful, soul-rocking memories, that you opt to give before you get, and that you find your joy!
Love, Tracey
Here is Jake’s note:
Send food. Diets are incredibly painful. Seriously, send food, I’m really suffering.
Love, Ja…(he passed out from hunger)
And here is our Christmas card! I meant to post it earlier than AFTER CHRISTMAS!
Teary-eyed reading this at work. I love those framed prints alongside Melvin’s picture. Beautiful! Here’s wishing you and Jake a happy 2016!
Wishing you an overload of joy!!!
Happy New Year Tracey! Here’s to a year filled with laughter, love and more memories with your little meatball maker, Jake! May he meet the perfect pal to come share in all of these crazy moments you two have.
Yes! Love all those things! Happy, happy to you, Suzanne!
We love our card, thank you so much!!! And Happy New Year to you and Jakey boy both!!
Happppppppy New Year!!! Can’t wait to read more updates from one of our favorite foster families!
Happy New Year Tracey and Jake! Jake I am so sorry that you are starving but a diet can be a good thing it will help you to be healthier! 🍗🍗🍗🍖🍖🍖 there are some treats to tied you over till supper! The print of Melvin brought me to tears of course but it is absolutely beautiful I love it. Tracey is wanted to update you on how I am getting along without my DannyBoy. Although no one can ever take his place, my husband and I got a adorable little 7 week old chug for Christmas and I am becoming very attached to the little guy! We named him Duke and our other two love him….mama Mona thinks that he is hers and no one else should touch him and Jack is still a little scared of him but he did kiss him today and play with him for a while. I will post a picture or two of him in e comment section on you Facebook post since I can’t figure out how to do it on here. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and have a blessed new year.
This makes me so happy! The most wonderful way for love to live on is to be sure to keep it going! Duke is adorable! I have no doubt that DannyBoy feels joy over the new addition! Love grows!
It has been one hell of a year, but I think this year is going to be a great one! And, I’m wishing you and Jake the very best.
Yes! Wishing you the same! Bring on the joy!