12/20/2006

Christmas past


















Looking through some pictures yesterday, I got stuck on one in particular from a series that Brad took on Christmas three years ago. It represents the best of Christmas gatherings and really any of our family times. Things got good when Andrew showed up. Here he comes, hands full of presents and I can feel that lift in my spirit at his arrival.


















That was our last Christmas with Andrew and it's never quite right without him. When we are together as a family it is always bittersweet because of course, being together makes us think of him. It's easy to imagine his quiet remarks breaking any silence and making us laugh. I love this last picture as well because, while I don't find it particularly flattering, I know so well and miss so much the moment it captures. Andrew in the background, making me laugh.

4 comments:

KW said...

Wow, that says it for all of us...I had a good cry after that. Here's what he would say to cheer us up: Look for me in the back of St. Nick's wagon on Christmas Eve. I'll be the one waving...

Claire said...

I wanted to comment on this post because it was so good but I couldn't think of how to say what I was feeling. But I didn't want to say nothing. So I guess I'll just be lame and say, Yeah, I really know what you mean.

melrandall said...

yeah, pretty much what Claire said.

and as a totally random side note, I was just looking at these pictures the other day and noticed how completely worn out Andrew's socks were :)

brandywine said...

Thanks for the pictures, and here's to his quiet remarks!