Christmas hope - our safe haven thread for bereaved parents.

[shabbapinkfrog]

Hope....for the bereaved parent; even at Christmas, one of the most painful times of the year, there is an essence of hope. Hope....it is hope that sustains us through the days of grief and anger and frustration and loneliness.

The hope that someday the pain of the deaths of our children will be eased. The hope that someday our smiles will be real.

So, it is that for each of you I would hope....peace, compassion, love, sympathy, understanding, sharing and listening. In the sharing of our grief with one another, and in the emotional support we give to one another, we receive and understand all of these gifts.

Remembering my precious sons....and all of your precious children at this difficult time of year.

Morning girls xx

Hi ladies, Incase I don't get back on here later I want to wish you all a very peaceful Christmas. I am feeling very calm at the minute, but we all know how quickly that can change. Love to you all and Love to our precious children xxx

Morning all. Been really busy and still under the weather but feeling ok. Hope everyone is doing ok with Christmas tomorrow. We're going to see Scarlett in the morning and take her some flowers so she's a part of our day too. x

Just leaving love and hope for you all for the Christmas period. You ladies are incredible xxxxxx

Wishing you lovely ladies a hopeful and peaceful Christmas! X

The chaotic masses have descended so just wanted to pop by and wish everyone a peaceful Christmas. Much love to all of you and our beautiful angels. I will be thinking of everyone xxxx

big deep breaths girls..we can do this

All those newly bereaved this year please trust me when I say you will get through tomorrow... there will be loads of tears and anger but you will get through. You may even find some stuff to smile about

I hope you all find a little peace and comfort with your loved ones ..

Just stopping in to send my love and best wishes to all you wonderful women and to let you know I will be lighting a candle for your children tomorrow xxx

Oh frasersmum I really do hope what you said is true, i am really struggling now. I feel so bad and angry at myself. I couldn't bring myself to hug my little nieces goodbye or wish them merry xmas. I may just go to bed and hope I wake up when this is all over.

Wishing us all a peaceful Christmas. May the love of our lost children give us the strength we need to face tomorrow and beyond.

Thinking of you all x

So sorry that I have been AWOL, I just can't seem to find the time.

And so sorry to hear about your mum FM. This next year is going to be a tough one for you and your family, and this time of year just seems to intensify everything.

I always love the run up to Christmas, but by the time Christmas Eve comes along my thoughts turn to C more than ever. He should be here with us enjoying the festivities. Tomorrow he should be sitting at the dinner table with us, but instead we will be visiting his grave. How did that happen?

As always you strong woman and our darling children are in my thoughts xxx

How did it happen indeed? :(

Hello all x I want you all to know that I am thinking of each and every one of our precious children today , tomorrow and always ,a candle will be lit here in Sussex and I wish all of us a peaceful time of it all x

It is so bittersweet this year. The build up has been such a mix of the familiar pain and bewilderment of last year an d alongside it the joy and excitement for Xander. If last year is anything to go by know the build up will be far worse than the day, but I fully expect a whirlwind of emotions.

I cannot stop thinking tonight of Belle and how I should have two children to spoil in the morning. We are visiting Belle before dinner and taking two small presents to open with her.

It feels like I'm living two Christmas' - Belle's Christmas, Xander's Christmas and somehow tomorrow the two have to meet in the middle.

wishing us all peace this Christmas xxx

Im having a 'tropical moment' (menopausal hot sweats) or an 'over 21' as my Mum calls them have to keep standing outside and there is actually steam coming off me ROFL.

May not get on tomorrow as I am one of those idiots gourmet types who cooks everything from scratch. Just want to wish us all a peaceful Christmas and light a candle for all our angels.

Oh thanks Chips I am way past the end of the menopause now - but I certainly dont think it has anything to do with the fact that I have a pint of whisky and coke in my hand LOL. I cant settle down.....feel very hyper and have only had a couple of sips of my drink.

I have got two very big red candles - they smell of 'Christmas' if you know what I mean. Will be lighting them later on today in honour and with great love for all our precious children. Also to honour all of 'us' - we made 'it through' again.

Just wanted to pop on and wish you all a peaceful Christmas. Dd1's teacher lost her dd2 this year and I saw her at the christingle service this afternoon. Seeing her reminded me how hard this time of year must be for you all. X

Thank you twofalls.

Morning girls. xxx How times change - I am up first and there is snoring coming from Toms room xxx

Wishing all you lovely ladies and your families a truly peaceful and hopeful Christmas! Thinking of you all x

Happy Christmas to you all xx We have a total madhouse here this morning. There is more Chelsea stuff in my house at the moment than at Chelsea Megastore!!!

Merry Christmas to us all and to all our amazing children. Wishing you all a very gentle day xx

Lots of tears here last night. It's just another day.

Please believe me that, as time goes by, you will find the joy of Christmas again...it takes a while but slowly mine has come back. Now it is replaced with the longing to see them again. Wishing I needed a massive table and a dozen chairs. Thinking of you all today my friends. Thank you for your support, understanding and love - it is verrrrry much appreciated xxxxxx