David Gray

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Originally posted by hsi1138 / Ubersturmfuhrer Bajoobies:
This has definitely been an eye-opening Christmas for us. We are dead broke. And by dead broke, I mean we-don't-know-where-rent-for-January-is-going-to-come-from broke. The only Christmas presents we got are for Samantha, and that wasn't even our money. She received two of one gift last Christmas, and we saved the money we got when we returned one. We used some of that money for a few little presents for Samantha, and the rest is for food. We'll be having a very Ramen Christmas this year.It's been a rough few months not knowing what will happen. My health is somewhat poor, but I don't have (and can't afford) insurance, so for now, visiting a doctor is out of the question. We won't be seeing my Dad and his wife and other family members this year, as they are all out of town. I doubt seriously that my Dad will even get Samantha a present. Society's pressure of being "the man" and "the provider" got to my husband so much that he had a bit of a meltdown and let his sobriety slip one night. And for all I know, we'll be living out of our car soon.Despite all that, I feel quite blessed, and I'm looking forward to Christmas morning more than ever. I can't wait to just sit by the Christmas tree and watch Samantha play with the lights. After all, we have a tree, a roof over our heads (for now), and plenty of ramen. Despite our difficulties, we still have more than most.Happy Holidays, everyone.

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i swear if you had posted this a week or so ago, id have bought you plane tickets, and an invite round our table, and we have the NHS over here, you could have seen a doctor for free
seriously sorry to hear this heather, if i can do anything to help, just holler,
your father needs a damn good kick up the ass

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Originally posted by Henriette:
I wanted to write something really eloquent and heart-felt, but I gave up. In stead I just want to say that I'm sorry to hear several of you are going through such rough times, I truly hope things will get better for you all. Merry christmas and lots of love to all of you.[ 27 December 2006: Message edited by: Henriette ]

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And I'd like to second that.

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Originally posted by LATECOMER:

i swear if you had posted this a week or so ago, id have bought you plane tickets, and an invite round our table, and we have the NHS over here, you could have seen a doctor for free
seriously sorry to hear this heather, if i can do anything to help, just holler,
your father needs a damn good kick up the ass

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SecondedAnd feck the presents, I think the older I've got the more I've realised that. I was so lucky to have all of my family around this Christmas, in good health. Christmas isn't about presents. I hope you manage to find rent money.Thinking of you Heather*hugs* (not as good as a blank cheque but hey! )[ 29 December 2006: Message edited by: Hartleys ]

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Originally posted by Hartleys:

I was so lucky to have all of my family around this Christmas, in good health. Christmas isn't about presents.

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i will have to second that
we had 3 of my sisters and my dad round for christmas dinner, we had a fantastic day,
then yesterday my dad suffered a massive heart attack, and died in his sleep
wont be celebrating new year

Oh Latecomer I'm so so sorry!

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Crackbook Whore Extraordinaire

Oh Latecomer, I am so sorry. What a terrible loss for you and your family. Right now there is not much to be happy about for you, but I am sure that you are happy that you shared a nice Christmas together. Sending you love...

Latey. That's really terrible. I'm so sorry. If there's anything I can do, or if you need someone to talk to, you know where I am. Xx

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Allegedly.

Latey you have a pm.

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Allegedly.

thank you everyone, sincerely, and katy, thanks for the pm
but its not all bad, he had a fantastic life,
he certainly had a brilliant christmas
and he passed very peacefully in his sleep,
he never suffered,
weve actually all been together today, having a huge laugh with stories about him
he will be cremated here, then on his birthday in march we are all going back to southampton to scatter his ashes in his favourite spot in the new forest,
whilst this is an incredibly sad time, he died peacefully and very happy, and that helps enormously,
thank you again everyone

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Originally posted by LATECOMER:
but its not all bad, he had a fantastic life,
he certainly had a brilliant christmas
and he passed very peacefully in his sleep,
he never suffered.whilst this is an incredibly sad time, he died peacefully and very happy, and that helps enormously,

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that's pretty much what i (as i imagine many others have, ad nauseum) was going to say to you. along, of course, with sincere condolences. as katy said - you know where we are.

I'm so sorry you lost your dad, Latecomer. So glad that you were together for Christmas though! Sounds like everyone is finding comfort in one another, and enjoying the memories of him. Life really is all about family, innit? He was obviously a wonderful person who is much loved.

Wow, so much in this thread... Courtney, your original post was wonderful. It is really something to keep in mind, there's no saying it enough because it really is a time of year to appreciate whatever blessings we each have, no matter how numerous or how few.To everyone struggling financially and healthwise during these holidays, please add my wishes and prayers for stability and health and NO MORE STRESS IN THE NEW YEAR!!! Ok, "no more stress" is probably too tall an order, but you know what I mean! Really sending you "Stay strong and good luck" prayers. And you've all got great attitudes about it.And Latecomer, so sorry for your loss! But you also, amazing attitude about it, and your dad really was blessed to leave this world in that way. I lost a parent at a young age, so I learned early on that every year, every month, every day we have our loved ones with us is such an immense blessing.I really hope everyone here, and all your loved ones, enter 2007 on a magical course for wonderful things.BEST WISHES TO ALL FOR THE NEW YEAR!

My condolences to you and your family, Latecomer. Such a good thing though, that you got to celebrate Christmas together and share happy times with your dad and the family. Makes for a precious memory.Good thoughts out to you and your loved ones.

Oh Latey, I'm so sorry Sending big hugs your way *welling up for you here* xx

I've not been online too much of late so just catching up with everything.I just want to join everyone in saying how sorry I am, Latey. Your attitude is so right though - looking at all the positives is the best thing to do. Hope you and the rest of the family are bearing up xxx