[tri-wings] Re: quiet list

The past three Christmas's I hung a stocking for Emma, then I put a special
> Christmas ornament in it for her that we can put on our tree. What do the 
> rest
> of you do, especially those that have lived a few years without their 
> child?
> Just curious as I like the idea of changing things up a bit and starting 
> new
> traditions.

My DH wasn't big on me hanging up a stocking for Ryan; he just wasn't 
comfortable with it, so I let that go.  We usually travel on Christmas and 
are gone for 7-10 days, so a live tree is out.  The last couple of years I 
haven't had the ambition to put up a real big tree anyhow.  This year I made 
two small Christmas displays, and (in my mind's eye *grin*) I have dedicated 
each of them to one of my children.  Drew's has a little Christmas tree and 
a photo from each of her 3 Christmas, including this years pix with Santa. 
There is a basket full of colored alphabet blocks that she can play with it 
is simple and sweet.  Ryan's display also has a little tree with his snowman 
bell ornament (every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings, remember?) 
There are a few other ornaments that mean something to me/us and simple 
white lights.  Next to the tree is a photo of Ryan and I next to my in-laws 
Christmas tree from his Christmas with us, and then I have a clear vase 
filled with white lights and gold star garland and pine cones... it makes a 
lovely diffused light at night and I find it very peaceful.  It isn't a lot, 
but it is simple and works for us.  We also make a donation each year at 
Christmas and on Ryan's birthday to celebrate his life - the charity varies. 
We try to find something different each time - and something that is 
tangible in the life of children with special needs.  For example, one year 
we bought Bumbo seats for the Early Interevention program to give to parents 
that can't afford them...
I'd like to add that I too am grateful for the community here, and thank you 
all for allowing me to share Ryan with you.  It felt so right to start my 
Christmas cards sharing hope with families who understood the mix of joy and 
sorrow that this journey is...
Peace~
Sandra, Mom to Ryan (01/31/03-01/239/04 T18) and his sister Drew 

                  Building ___ooOOoo__ Rainbows
                       www.trisomyonline.org
                  Families Helping Families On-line

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