Bittersweet

It seems like just a few short months ago I was ringing in the new year with friends at a local restaurant/bar. Now, seemingly out of nowhere, it’s Christmas Eve. While Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year, it’s hard to be the kind of “joyful” and “happy” that this time of the year is supposed to bring.

I know I shouldn’t have necessarily expected a white Christmas, as apparently due to statistics, over the past several years, there has been about a 50/50 chance of a white Christmas. But over the last several days, it has been warm. Like, record breakingly warm. I think it was 16 degrees Celsius outside today. As we drove down the street, we saw people happily walking their dogs and otherwise strolling down the street-some in short sleeves. I’ve spent a Christmas or two in Florida, but those occasions were exceptions. I’ve always enjoyed the whole idea of snow and Christmas.

Also…I mean…I went the funeral of a dear, dear friend yesterday. I tried to remain strong, and for the most part I did. The beginning of the funeral and the end were the most difficult for me. Life is crazy. I’m sure when Anna went into the hospital on December 7…she didn’t think she wouldn’t see another Christmas. She didn’t know that this past November would be her last…this past October/Halloween.  Hell, she didn’t know what she wouldn’t leave the hospital at all. She didn’t know that she would be with God less than two weeks later.

But, I also have tons to be thankful for. Amazing friends, amazing family, and amazing things to look forward to. But this whole experience with Anna hits home more than ever that we shouldn’t take life for granted. Say what you feel; mean what you say.

Merry Christmas to all.

Xo