Holidays and such.

be·reave/biˈrēv/

Verb: Be deprived of a loved one through a profound absence, esp. due to the loved one's death

So holidays are normally hectic around here. And with as much as we've lost this year, it seemed even more so hectic, and overwhelming than the normal holidays we are used to.

Shane didn't get off work and home, until about 6:30-6:45 Thanksgiving morning. So I let him come home and come to bed. I got up about 8:00-8:30, got ready and my sister came and picked me up, and we went to my dad's. When I got there we started cooking, and work our butts off (well some of us anyways) and the entire meal was ready buy noon, and Shane arrived. We ate, let our food settle, then we left on to our next Thanksgiving voyage.

We came home, freshened up, then back out the door within 5 minutes to head to Shane's Grandmother's house. On the way there we had car problems, had to come home, borrow Shane's dad's car, then we were back on our little journey.

As soon as we got to our destination, I gave Shane's cousin, and his Aunt a hug. Donicia, Shane's cousin, went to her car, and came back with a little gift for me.

She had it made out of a natural stone. It is so beautiful and it already has it's own special place in our house. As bad of a day I had, THIS surly put a smile on my face. It's not the fact that I got a gift (okay, maybe a little ;)), but the fact that SOMEONE was thinking of Serenity, and they showed it to me. I love all of these little reminders that she is being thought of. <3

Yesterday, Someone gave me a stuffed animal piggy bank that sings and wiggles it's ear! It's so cute! If I can get a video of it, I will post it. :)

Serenity,

I love you, you know that. I miss you so much. I wish you could have been here with us for Thanksgiving. It would have made it so much better, because no matter how bad my day was going, YOU would have been there. I survived though. Thats all I can say. There was a lot of crying, but I survived. And next is Christmas. Christmas is going to be the hardest. I am having people write you letters to put in your stocking, and I will read them to you on Christmas. I already have a bunch of stuff for you. The only thing that is missing is you. I love you baby.

For those who would like to take part in the "Letters to Serenity" Here are the details..

To all my friends & Family I have a special request. As I have struggled with a way to remember Serenity at Christmas, a friend told me about something I am looking forward to trying. The idea is to fill a stocking with letters or notes or even emails to Serenity. I will be hangin a stocking every year for Serenity and would love to fill it with these cards or notes. They can be for me, for Serenity and can be simple or however in depth you prefer. You do not need to feel obligated by any means. Serenity is a part of my daily thoughts and on Christmas I plan to read these notes. Her stocking will be hung yearly and I hope to carry this new tradition on filling it every year. To everyone who thinks of us, thank you. To everyone I know who walks the path with me, thank you and I will be thinking of you and your children this holiday season as well.

If you would like to send cards, letters etc.. you can send them here:

Cally Rawson (and/or Serenity Mitchell)

341 Jones Lane

Lincoln, Alabama

35096

Direct emails here:

rawson.cally@gmail.com

Thank you. <3 And have an amazing holiday season.