Remembering those we've lost - the annual Christmas Eve 'raise a glass' thread

[cptartapp]

I find strange comfort in this thread each year.
As the evening draws in I'll start by raising a glass and remembering my dad who died too soon after long ill health and my mum cruelly taken so tragically.
Thinking once again of family Christmases gone by when we were all together. You both should still be here.
Miss you every day.

I'll raise a glass with you to my parents . Neither died this year , but still think of them .

Raising a glass to my lovely mum, who sadly died 19 years ago at 61. More recently, my aunt who loved Christmas Eve & I'll always think about her when I cook the ham listening to carol from Kings - she passed away this year but after 8 years of the cruel disease that is dementia so remembering her before that. Thinking about all those missing someone dear to them this year

I will raise a glass to my Mum and Dad who died in 2011 and 2019, and MIL who died earlier this year. We missed her last Christmas last year and only saw her once (during lockdown) between diagnosis and her dying.

To my lovely funny ex sil, taken way too soon, Chin chin and up yer bum

My Mum a year ago today

I was low contact but she was in hospital for her last 3 weeks and they didn't let my Dad in until she was unconscious the bastards, she was a known terminal when she was admitted but was supposed to only be in for a few days

To our baby girl who was too precious for this earth. We named her Polly.
I wish I could hold you now. Merry Christmas ❤️

One of my closest friends lost her life this year, and one of my favourite teachers. Forever in my ❤️

I'm sorry for the losses of all your loved ones. Raising a glass to my FIL whom we lost only a few weeks ago. We were so hoping to get one more Christmas with him.

Also remembering two dear friends who I lost to suicide in secondary school. You should have been around for so many more years. I go for so long sometimes without remembering but it always comes back to me at Christmas.

I raise a glass to my Uncle who died 6 years ago on Christmas day and to my dad who died just over 2 years ago.

My baby, who I lost on Christmas Eve 2010 and the six babies who came after her. I never held any of them in my arms but I'll hold them in my heart until the day I die.

Also my mum, who I have missed to distraction every day for the last 18 years. A wee Black Label to you Jeanie, along with all of my love.

To my lovely, gentle Dad, and to Meg, my beloved best friend.

To mum and dad, I still miss you. To Barbara, Bronwen and Dewi. To taid and nain. Sending love and raising a glass in love and solidarity with the Mumsnetters here ❤️

RussianSpy101

My grandmother who died on Christmas Day many years ago.
Her son, my father, whose mind is wandering now, but I suspect still finds this a hard memory.
My Mum who died at New Year three years ago. Raising a glass and looking forward to enjoying your special lemon pudding recipe with those left behind.

I raise a glass to my good friend of 25 years who passed away in March this year within 6 weeks of being diagnosed with neuroblastoma aged 56. Taken too soon but reunited with your beloved DH. Oh how I miss that wicked laugh of yours ❤

Raising a glass to my wonderful Dad. Taken from us three years ago. Miss you every day. ❤️

To my wonderful grandad, I miss you terribly and I am still so gutted that I never got to say goodbye to you. I love you always. I've got all your decorations up and they make me smile and think of you.

To my lovely kind Mum, I wish you had the chance to know your grandson. You would be so proud. I miss you every day. xx

I’ll raise a glass to my wonderful mum. I cannot put into words how much I miss her.
I hope I cope better this Christmas than I did last year when all I wanted was for Christmas to be over.
Thinking of everyone else who is missing someone dear to them

My dad died yesterday. He was in hospital after breaking his hip and his COPD had got worse. Tuesday they were discussing discharging him with a care package. Occupational therapy & physio were in place. The hospital phoned me at 9:40 yesterday morning to say he'd taken a turn for the worse. He'd gone by the time I got there.

I'll raise a glass. I've been just this side of tearful all day. I've lost a few loved ones along the way, my parents, 2 sisters, but this year we lost a dear dear friend to cancer. Even more devastating since we had been so limited over the course of his illness.
I think as he was the same age as dh and I, and our friendship spanned 40 years, I am feeling it most acutely at this time.
So - never forgotten, you lived and I learned xxx

I will raise a glass to my lovely mum who died in September. My first Christmas without her, and I am feeling so sad today.

Raising a glass in memory of my beloved Dad, killed by bastard cancer in 2020, and my lovely sister whose mental health struggles finally overwhelmed her this summer. Much love to all struggling with loss.

I'll join you all in raising a glass to my lovely step dad who passed away earlier this year

To my funny, kind and wise Dad who we lost to cancer in 2017 and who never really knew just how much he'd be missed.

To my dear MIL who left us last spring after a short but spirited fight with cancer.

Neither of you are ever far from my thoughts.

Raising a glass of red and remembering my dad who passed in 2019 with vascular dementia. Remembering his happier chattier days , he always had a tale to tell .