19 Comments
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Cindy Robinov's avatar

I’m in the excruciatingly long process of losing my ‘big’ sister…my best friend, from Alzheimer’s. We’re at the ‘any day’ point of the longest goodbye. She lived outside Syracuse and, one year, during my annual holiday visit, we went down to Skaneateles for the festival. She too found it a bit much and her irreverent sense of humor had us laughing hard…until she joined in the singing, her beautiful voice rising…she loves music so…your piece brought this all back…and so I’m off to the basement to bring up my collection of ceramic trees that she adored. I will decorate. I will cry. I will laugh at the memories…Thank you…may memories of Charlie also bring you comfort.

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Janet's avatar

One of my brothers died two years ago this week, the other 6 weeks ago. I’m grieving along with you, but was able to see joy in your post. Thank you.

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Julie Burgher's avatar

Thank you for sharing your world and how you are navigating through and around right now. A beautiful essay and lovely videos and pictures.

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Alexsim's avatar

What a beautiful essay! I’m so sorry about the loss of your brother. It’s very hard to find some comfort and joy when you’re grieving, but you found a lot to be thankful for. All the best to you and yours.

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Katrina's avatar

Losing a sibling is like losing another thread in the cloth of our lives. At my age, my cloth is wearing thin. My parents and siblings, all my aunts and uncles and most cousins (just a few of those left) all gone to memories. I truly treasure my husband, son and his family, friends and neighbors. I even treasure those who help and those who serve. I read a quote recently from a gentleman who is my age:

"My family is anyone who smiles at me." Please accept my condolences, Amy.

I had to look up how to pronounce Skaneateles. I believe it is: Skanny-at-aleeze. Correct?

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Scottygrrl's avatar

My condolences to you. Very difficult to lose someone during the holiday season. Yet I see that you are finding joy and beauty everywhere you go, and that is something to cherish and celebrate. May you continue to find peace and meaning in the days ahead.

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Jeanne's avatar

Amy, I am so sorry for your sadness at this tender time of year. Grief is sometimes so complicated, especially when it brings us right back to childhood and all the years between then and now. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings and thank you for being such a loving and real light in this world.

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Robin Theilmann's avatar

Oh Amy, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. These times are so difficult. We trudge along trying to find peace and some kind of solace after a death. Your words say it all. Now time, memories and hopefully playing with Molly in the snow will bring some of your holiday joy to the surface.

Love from Robin Theilmann in La Mesa, CA

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Penny Parish-Brown's avatar

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad you had a good day. I love the way you highlight what I think of asvthe beauty of the ordinary.

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Pam's avatar

I am sorry to hear about your brother. We love the Sherwood Inn. Especially the Reuben sandwich. So glad you could see the blessings of beautiful day in a beautiful town.

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Rebecca E Fleckenstein's avatar

Amy, I'm so sorry for your loss!! Thank you for sharing your day in Skaneateles!

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Carol J. Stewart's avatar

Thank you for such an intimate sharing. You're in my thoughts and my heart.

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Susan S's avatar

Dear Amy, my heart aches with yours. Definitely mega doses of pine smells, sugar cookies, and your favorite carols, along with Puffs Plus for the overwhelming moments.

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Donna J's avatar

Deeply sorry for your loss

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Carol's avatar

I'm so truly sorry for your loss, Amy. I am so glad you have eyes that take notice of the beauty around you, and the ever-present gift of seeing humor in most all situations, even in your time of grief. As woo woo as it is, I feel like moments that you describe are "gifted" to us when we need them most. My very dear friend just lost her husband of about 40 years and I shared your essay with her. Your wisdom reaches out to more than these subscribers. Thank you for sharing with us.

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Denae's avatar

Amy, I’m so sorry you have lost your brother in this world but he will live forever in your heart and memories. Wishing you peace 💜

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