A Holiday Message and Memorial

[killfoile]

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find that our joy is tempered with sadness at our loss of loved ones, family and friends.  While we might tolerate those losses fairly well year round, for many, the Holiday season amplifies that loss.  So for all of us who have suffered a loss, I offer the following from the works of Angelo Patri, he writes:

“In one sense, there is no death.  The life of a soul on earth lasts beyond their departure.  You will always feel that life touching yours; that voice speaking to you; that spirit looking out of other eyes, talking to you in the familiar things they touched, work with, loved as familiar friends.  They live on in your life and in the lives of all others that knew them.”

Even with all of the losses, as I prepare for the season and speak with family, friends and continue to enjoy this forum and all of you, I find that the spirit of this season remains.  The Holiday season is one of love and fellowship; a season of generosity and faith and all are qualities that our past and present family and friends share in abundance.  They also epitomize the type of family that we share here at AIDSmeds.com.

I have been fortunate to know many people, all of which demonstrate compassion, generosity, understanding and acceptance.  And when I think of these qualities, I can once again experience the joy of the Holidays.

Let us then revel in the spirit of past and present loved ones, family and friends, as we celebrate this Holiday season.

Although I post this message each year, this year I am asking that you use this thread to remember those who are dear to you.  I will never get over the loss of Lisa, Ric or Tim.  They were very different friends, on so many levels and they enriched my life beyond measure.  I miss them terribly and each holiday that passes just seems to renew my sense of loss.  Some wounds will never heal.  How fortunate I am to have such wounds, that they would choose to live on within me.  A gift that truly keeps on giving.

From our hearts to yours: Wishing you all Happy Holidays!

Joe & Stephen

[Matty the Damned]

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find that our joy is tempered with sadness at our loss of loved ones, family and friends.  While we might tolerate those losses fairly well year round, for many, the Holiday season amplifies that loss.  So for all of us who have suffered a loss, I offer the following from the works of Angelo Patri, he writes:

“In one sense, there is no death.  The life of a soul on earth lasts beyond their departure.  You will always feel that life touching yours; that voice speaking to you; that spirit looking out of other eyes, talking to you in the familiar things they touched, work with, loved as familiar friends.  They live on in your life and in the lives of all others that knew them.”

Even with all of the losses, as I prepare for the season and speak with family, friends and continue to enjoy this forum and all of you, I find that the spirit of this season remains.  The Holiday season is one of love and fellowship; a season of generosity and faith and all are qualities that our past and present family and friends share in abundance.  They also epitomize the type of family that we share here at AIDSmeds.com.

I have been fortunate to know many people, all of which demonstrate compassion, generosity, understanding and acceptance.  And when I think of these qualities, I can once again experience the joy of the Holidays.

Let us then revel in the spirit of past and present loved ones, family and friends, as we celebrate this Holiday season.

Although I post this message each year, this year I am asking that you use this thread to remember those who are dear to you.  I will never get over the loss of Lisa, Ric or Tim.  They were very different friends, on so many levels and they enriched my life beyond measure.  I miss them terribly and each holiday that passes just seems to renew my sense of loss.  Some wounds will never heal.  How fortunate I am to have such wounds, that they would choose to live on within me.  A gift that truly keeps on giving.

From our hearts to yours: Wishing you all Happy Holidays!

Joe & Stephen

Right back at ya, Pastor Joe.

Now that Daddy Tim has gone, you're the Mayor of AIDSmeds.

And we love you for it.

Give our regards to Stephen.

MtD
(Who knows he speaks on behalf of the rank-and-file)

[BT65]

Happy holidays to you also Joe & Stephen. 

[Basquo]

Happy Holidays to you, too! I was speaking fondly of you two on Thanksgiving Day, When I was showing Santi & Curtis pictures from Montreal.

[wolfter]

I appreciate your kind words.  Even though I've not reached that place where I rejoice in the holiday season, I also no longer revel in misery and sorrow.

Hopefully Gary can post his defying gravity memorial speech soon.  It ties in so nicely with this post. 

Hope you guys have a great holiday season and accept your blessings.

Wolfie

[Lis]

The holidays have never been all that fun for me. But I make them fun for my family.
This year is the most hard of all, Tim , Lisa , and my mother have passed... I am greatfull for all the things that i have  learned from all of them..

Put up the tree, make the turkey, and love those around you


I miss you all, and happy summer to the folk down under

much love, to Joe, who knows me better then I do!!

[Jody]

A happy and healthy holiday season to Joe and Stephen as well.  I have been thinking about those who are not with us in body anymore and I am saddened this time of year.  Moffie's advice and courage, Ric's great presence and his decency and Lisa, that wonderful laugh of hers.  And other great folks as well...And Lis, it is good to see you post, as always I hope you are doing all right, so sorry about your mom.

Jody