almost christmas

How are everyone's Christmas preparations going? Are you done with the present buying, wrapping, Christmas card sending, decorating, and baking?

I made two kinds of cookies last week and put the dough balls in the freezer. This morning, I baked all the cookies and after they were cooled down, packaged them into pretty tins and delivered to four neighbors.

I haven't wrapped a single gift yet. I'm still waiting on two more Christmas presents to come in the mail. Sure hope they arrive on time! Otherwise, admittedly, I'm a procrastinator when it comes to wrapping. I don't enjoy it, so I put it off as long as possible.

Last week, on a brilliantly sunny but COLD afternoon, Brian and I took a trip to Brookfield Zoo. We hadn't been there since our boys were little. The reason for our trip this time was bittersweet.

Every year, Wake the Nation puts up a Christmas tree at the zoo, along with the hundreds of other trees that are sponsored by other groups or individuals. Wake the Nation is a non-profit organization that brings drug awareness and education to the community, as well as providing support to those suffering with addiction and their loved ones.

As a lot of you know, our oldest son, Philip lost his battle to addiction in September 2009. He was just 21 years old. We have Phil's photo and ornament put on the Wake the Nation Christmas tree every year. Volunteers from Wake the Nation do a wonderful job of decorating this tree with loved ones ornaments and photos every year.

In all the years that we've had Phil's ornament and photo a part of this tree, we had never seen it in person. We've only seen photos that were posted on the Wake the Nation Facebook page. It was hard to see this tree in person...so many young people's beautiful faces and smiles, knowing that they were all no longer part of this world. Of course, it was especially hard seeing our son's name and photo on this tree.

In other goings-on, I had a lovely tea-and-chat visit with my aunt the other day. We hadn't seen each other since Labor Day, so it was wonderful to see each other in person again. We were careful...we've both been recently Covid tested (both negative), we socially distanced, and we didn't hug each other. Such a strange and unnerving time we're living in.

I won't be posting again until after Christmas, so here's hoping that all of you stay healthy and well and make the best of your holiday, no matter how you're celebrating it this year.
💓

getting by and happy holidays

Everyone is familiar with the lyrics from "With a Little Help From My Friends". It is so true, isn't it? Friends that we've known since childhood, friends that we've met in our neighborhood, friends that we've met online, friends that we've met in book clubs or yoga class or church or whatever group you may have joined: They are all precious to us and hopefully provide some of the spirit boost that we all need, especially at this time of year.

This was my first time meeting in person with these lovely ladies. (That's me with the light hair and glasses peeking out waaay in the back, middle.) As an introvert, totally out of my comfort zone to join a big group. In fact, I went home with a massive headache and swore never to join such a big group again, but it was incredibly lovely getting to know some of these ladies. Unfortunately, what we have in common is that we've all lost a child due to drugs. One of the women in this group has actually lost two children due to this horrible disease of addiction.

This smaller group of friends is more my speed. 😉 As always, I'm poking my head into the photo, on the left this time. About five women who normally join this group were missing, but we meet every equinox and solstice for a Women's Circle and dinner. This group of women are the most supportive and uplifting women that I've ever met. And we couldn't all be more different: married, divorced, widowed, straight, gay, lawyer, doula, yoga instructor, social worker, writers, office workers, business owner, moms of biological children, moms of adopted children, childless. The woman in the front, middle with dark hair and glasses is my First Best Friend. We met when we were three years old and still have a very strong bond. The blonde woman with the green scarf in front was my first yoga teacher who is now a good friend.

We've had the most beautiful weather here for the end of December...lots of sun and temperatures in the 40's and even low 50's yesterday.

Brian and I took time to recharge in nature yesterday with a walk in the State Park.
It actually smelled like spring out there, even though it was the first day of winter.

This was an accidental shot with my phone during yesterday afternoon's walk in the State Park. I didn't even know I took it until I looked through my phone's photos. I thought it was cool how I accidentally captured the moon and the sun at the same time.

Thanking you all for your friendship and love...I'm so grateful for all of you. May your holiday season be filled with peace, love, and blessings.

xoxo

overdose awareness day

August 31st: Today is Overdose Awareness Day. 

Please take a few minutes to say a prayer for those struggling with the disease of addiction, and for the families, like myself and my family, who have lost a child/brother due to addiction/OD. We have to end the stigma, shame and judgment and choose to educate instead. Don't ever think it couldn't happen to your child or anyone in your family. Ignorance and denial are the enemies of this disease. 

Did you know the opioid crisis is so bad, it's going to be declared as a National Emergency? Drug OD's are now the leading cause of death under 50. See here for more info and statistics:

Short Answers to Hard Questions about the Opioid Crisis

RIP, my precious son, Philip Thomas Riley. If love could've saved you, you would've lived forever.