In some ways...

Books, those who have gone before and those who are 'in it'..will tell you..in some ways..after a year..you really 'feel' the loss and you reflect with great vividness, the journey you were on...and this, in-some-ways, is so very true. The first Christmas without Becky..I think Abbey and I, we were sorta numb..or just doing our best to press on through the days. 2011, we had a very meaningful and warm time with friends here in California and we had a fulfilling, memorable time with family and friends in NC.  We truly did..it was just what we needed and wanted to do. This Christmas will see us here mostly in LA..which is what life seems to dictate this year and that is fine with us.  But, we both remarked how we are 'feeling' our new normal this year..Our changed lives, the loss..just what we endured...
 Yes, as I have previously remarked, we are moving on..we do know that life goes on...new endeavors await.  We are excited. But we know there is no formula in the grieving process, and all the books, and the many who have endured loss will express the same thing.   There is no time constraint to grief..or the putting the journey behind you...But again, after 18 months, Abbey and I have seen healing..we have seen reparation to the inner, inner canals that once were so pained and numb. We have done some fun, fulfilling things..So that is good...We know this vivid feeling is the natural process and we will go straight through it.  No 'end-arounds'..Just let it penetrate us..
Thank you to the many who still keep us in thoughts and prayers..
We truly hope this Christmas season will bring you a joy that was perhaps once elusive.
There is much to be thankful for, there is hope beyond what we see....
I thank the Lord for His mercy..His plan...

Celebrate..enjoy, give big hugs to family and friends..

Much Love,

Bill and Abbey