Another year is coming to an end -- and a new year is coming upon us. With every thing that ends, a new beginning opens for us. This year I have been blessed with many friends who have made my Folklore and Mythology forum a wonderful place for me to linger and relax in. I thank each and everyone one of you who have made this forum a joy and so much fun.
These winter holidays have been a time of difficulty with memories of spending the last few days with my beloved Mother, holding her hands, praying for her soul, and listening to her own memories of times gone by. It was so hard to let her go, but it was her time. With each prayer that one of my siblings and I said with her, I could see the peace flowing through her. When she left us, it was in my brother's arms that she felt the rest and peace she so longed for after much pain and sorrow. It has been over a year now, and the love she had given us throughout our lifes sustain us and has brought us peace. The love my parents gave us has strengthened our spirits.
These winter holidays have also been a time of loving memories of Mother and other loved ones who have gone before us -- and we hold in our hearts and daily lives the traditions of family created by love.
Love -- love is what sustains us in times of sorrow and in times of joy. In all the fun, joking, teasing, pretending that goes on in the F&M forum, I feel the current of love just under the surface and sometimes it bursts forth to embrace us all.
Thank you and I wish you all the very best of these winter holidays.