December 25, 2012

MERRY CHRISTMAS, MY LOVE


Christmas, 1974.  Young, newly married.  A scrawny little tree, what was often called a "Charlie Brown" tree.  No ornaments, a little Raggedy Ann knitted hand-puppet up on top. 

Throughout our "courtship", I had always given you cards with bears on them.  So off I went, somewhere lost in memory, and bought a Christmas card with a bear and one little bear ornament. 

And so on through the years, more bear cards until today, a scrapbook rests on a bookshelf with several hundred bear cards pasted into it. 

Christmas, 1975, a second bear ornament.  And so on through the years ~ more and more bear ornaments.  Until in recent years, our Christmas tree, whether small and scrawny, or tall and full was covered with bears. 

Christmas, 2012, here is your bear ornament, Poppy.  I miss you so much, and I will always love you.  And every Christmas if you'll just spend a moment with me, whisper in my ear, brush your hand against my cheek, or best yet, burst forth with that raucous laugh of yours ~ I will know you are there, and I will gift you with a new bear to hang on our tree.

35 comments:

  1. Merry Chrissymouse to all of you, Cats and Bein!

    But we unnerstand the bears and the memories and the traditions.

    Peace to you and love from your friends here...

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  2. Merry Christmas, lots of love from Indigo, Malach and their Humans!

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  3. Merry Christmas
    I wish you and your family have the Best Best time.
    Lots of love and many hugs to you
    Puddy

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  4. We wish you all

    A Happy Holiday
    A Merry Christmas
    & a bi warm thank you for your friendship.

    Best wishes Molly

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  5. Ann here's hoping you will enjoy this Christmas with your family and will have fun with Arjun. We are sure he will make you smile with his antics.
    Take care.
    Luv Hannah, Lucy and Sue xx xx xx

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  6. Merry Christmas to you three ladies and all of the rest of the family including those feral kitties. Hope you are enjoying your stay with your daughter and grand kids.

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  7. Happy Christmas... with all our purrs and love,
    Harry, Dexter and Tipp, and the Momma

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  8. Through traditions we live on....

    We wish you all a very Merry Christmas. ox

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  9. That was a beautiful post.

    Merry Christmas!

    The Florida Furkids

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  10. Merry Christmas Ann to you and your family. We understand how you feel.
    Hugs, soft head bonks,
    Angel Normie, Mika, Sasha & Grady Lewis

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  11. Merry Christmas with love and hugs from all of us at Brian's Home!

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  12. Merry Christmas to you, and to Vic in Heaven. We're keeping you and your family in our thoughts this holiday season. XOXOXO

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  13. We hope you are enjoying your time with family and send you all wishes for a very happy Christmas Day - those memories should make you smile.

    Hugs and Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning and Mom

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  14. Merry Christmas to you dear friend and a big HUG to go with it. You have some very special memories of Christmas' past to keep you going now. I know Poppy Vic is smiling down at you!

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  15. Beautiful post, Ann. So full of love and memories.

    Merry Christmas from us!

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  16. This makes my heart swell! Much love and many hugs to you and the girls, Ann. xxoo Patty, Bhu & Sabryin

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  17. Thinking of you this holiday season-

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  18. Wonderful memories. Always in your heart.

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  19. Merry Christmas. Purrs, love and (((hugs))) to you.

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  20. Such a beautiful posting in memory of the love you have with your dear Poppy.

    Meowy Christmas from the ManxMnews family!

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  21. Thinking of you sweet Ann and praying that you have a Merry Christmas filled with beautiful memories of your sweet Poppy. Leaving you huge, warm hugs! Maggie and crew.

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  22. Merry Christmas.... we hope some happy memories will make you find some smiles

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  23. Lots of Love & Hugs to you all!! Have a Wonderful Christmas Day and know we love and think of you everyday!!
    Howdy from your TX furiends,

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  24. Beautiful post and the tears are there. I hope you are having a good Christmas with your family and that little Arjun is keeping your spirits up. With love Carol Barrie and GJ xx

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  25. Christmas just seems to be the perfect time to remember the years gone by and smile with each memory.

    Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and many blessings in the coming year.

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  26. Merry Christmas beautiful lady...your love saga is filled with magic.

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  27. It's been 9 years and I still buy my late hubby a anniversary card.
    I love your idea of a ornament for the tree.
    Thinking of you this Christmas Day with love.
    Linda & Cinnamon

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  28. Merry Christmas!

    Our thoughts are with you during this first Christmas without Poppy Vic by your side.

    Truffle, Brulee, and Mom Paula

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  29. Ann, we love you. Thinking of you. Merry Christmas dear friend ~ hope those beautiful memories sustain you.
    Love Jan (and Peter) xx

    Purrs from Milo and Alfie xx

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  30. A blessed Christmas to you and your family!

    Love,
    the Piappies - Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Max, Wai-Pai & Forgie

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  31. This is very moving and beautiful.
    Sending you lots of purrs this holiday season.

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  32. What a romantic tradition. We know Poppy will always remain in your heart till you meet again.

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  33. What a wonderful tradition.
    Hugs and purrs and Merry Christmas to you and your kitties

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