Emotional Goodbye to Another Year
Doesn’t it seem strange? The last hours of 2024 are coming to an end.
Before you know it crowds will pack into New York’s Time Square.
That same look of party hats and streamers will pop up in cities and towns around the country.
When the clock strikes midnight voices everywhere will yell, “HAPPY NEW YEAR!”
Just like that, we say goodbye to one year and hello to another one.
It’s the same routine every year.
Hello 2025
In a blink of an eye the calendar page flips over and it’s 2025.
Except…
Instead of celebrating, something seems off in one house near downtown Shady Pines Story Town.
When we go inside the Sanders’ home on Dogwood Drive across from Copy Cat Lane, we see Edna Sanders kinda wandering about. She shuffles from room to room.
Something’s Wrong
Normally, Edna is a ball of energy.
But now her steps are slow, her shoulders slump and her mind wanders like it’s thousands of miles away.
Something is definitely bothering her. But what could it be?
The holidays are supposed to be a joyous time for one and all.
What’s wrong with mom?” asks Boomerang, the family’s Australian Shepherd dog. “She’s been acting strange ever since she got that phone call.”
Halley’s Comet, a silver streak of a cat, shrugs. “How should I know? Wait. What phone call?”
“Honey I’m home!”
Looking For Answers
Harold Sanders bursts through the back door, hangs his coat on the hook on the wall, and tosses his car keys into the little basket near the kitchen sink.
He takes off his glasses to wipe them after walking through the misty rain that’s falling outside.
Edna looks up from the recipe book she’s mindlessly thumbing through. She sits at the kitchen table and the coffee in her mug is cold.
“Hi dear. How was your day?” she asks with very little enthusiasm.
Harold sits next to her. “What’s wrong sweetie? You haven’t been yourself since you got the news Carol is moving away.”
Boomer walks over to Halley who’s lapping water from her dish and nudges her. “I told ya. That’s the call I’m talking about.”
“Hey!” says an anooyed Halley. “What’s the big deal about Carol? And why is her moving making mom so sad?”
Loss Is Difficult
Harold puts his arms around Edna.
Edna looks at Harold with tears in her eyes. “It’s just that Carol is one of my best friends and tomorrow she’s moving three thousand miles away. I don’t know when I will see her again. If ever.”
Harold sits beside his wife and holds her hands in his. “I know. She and Kevin have been a big part of our memories for eight years. And their cat and dog love Boomer and Halley so much.”
“Hold the phone,” says Halley. “Mitsie is moving too? I love her. We play together. She can’t leave.”
Boomer sits on his haunches and drops his head. “Forget about that orange pint size feline. This means I’m losing Charles. He’s my best friend.”
“I have to admit,” says Halley. “You and that Cocker Spaniel are pretty funny together.”
Hold Onto Your Loved Ones
Harold rises up from his chair and urges Edna to do the same. “Listen. It’s okay to be sad Kevin and Carold are leaving. But we need to be happy for their new adventure as well.”
Edna nods. “I know you’re right.”
Harold continues.” Hey. We still have each other. And we’ll remember all the kind and caring things they did for us and with us.”
Edna wipes away her tears. “You’re so right. And that’s what we need to focus on in this new year.”
Time for a group hug. “Bring it in Sanders family,” says Harold.
Looking Forward Not Backward
And there you have it. Getting through loss, especially during the holidays, is made a bit easier when we cling to those who mean the most.
New friends and more chances to spread love, kindness and caring can be part of this new year if you’re open and welcome to the opportunity.
From all of us in Shady Pines Story Town, Happy New Year!
Thank you for sharing such a touching reflection.
Thank you Tammy.
I certainly can relate to the mixed emotions the holidays can bring. I love how you put such a positive spin to experiencing loss of any kind and moving forward. Thank you Shady Pines for reminding us to look forward.
I’m glad you found the message useful Teresa!
This post brought me back many years to when my dear friend and longtime neighbor moved from Long Island to Minnesota because of a divorce. I was devastated. Whether you lose a friend to moving or sickness it’s still a loss. There is always a grieving period but then you move on and have wonderful memories to savor. The message in your post was uplifting because it gives a more positive reaction for our sadness. As always, thanks for the post,
Thank you Barbara. I’m glad that it hit a personal and positive note for you.
I really enjoyed your take on this touchy subject
One of your better ones
People are important to us and sometimes we don’t realize that until they leave. Thanks for the reminder
Very good
Just got home and read this post. It really touched me. Emotions and the holidays seem to go together and not all of them are happy.
I like the way you take a difficult subject and put a positive spin on it
I was just having a conversation on the plane with someone who had lost their parent this time last year and was having a rough time. Right on the mark post as usual. Well done Shady Pines!
Very well done. I really liked this post
Why is it that the holidays really heighten emotions both good and bad? Thank you for acknowledging the hardships that many people experience this time of year
This edition was a wonderful reminder to live and enjoy every moment we have. Keep your friends and loved ones close. ❤️
So true!Thank you Stephanie
What a touching post. People leave our everyday lives in many ways. It doesn’t have to be permanent to be impactful
Well said Jim. Thank you!
This post really touched my heart. I’ve lost loved ones and pets over the years and the holidays are sometimes painful reminders. Thank you
You’re so welcome. And I’m sorry for your losses Sharon
I know this experience is too close to you now. Remember your many friends that are still nearby. Reminding us all to focus on the positive is the Shady Pines way!
Elaine such a good observation and a good reminder. We need to always appreciate all the dear friends and loved ones who are in our lives – whether near or far. Happy New Year!
Another heartfelt story! Holiday time brings up lots of different emotions and is not easy for everyone. Looking ahead and being grateful for the positive things in life helps.
Thank you Merridy. I appreciate your comment!
This is a theme many of us can relate to. Thank you for making it into a story for children
What a lovely story
Delightful way to bring purpose of holidays together I love hoe you combined all of us, including Boomer and Haley🎉to a new year
Great job!
Really appreciate that Jane!
Life is so different than when I was young years ago. People stayed a lifetime in their towns. Now we have to be prepared for a revolving door of friends and family moving far and wide. Fortunately the internet allows us to stay connected. Let’s hope Edna and Carol can keep in regular contact. Happy New Year!
Lovely sentiment. Thank you Sheri!
As always an excellent post showing all the emotions that the holidays bring ending with a positive look forward
I’m so glad you found this to be of value Joanne. Thank you!
I like the way you pulled the whole family in even the four-legged kids. Helps children feel the issue
Beautifully done
This really hit a nerve. I lost a dear friend a few years back to cancer during the holidays. Thank you for addressing this real life issue