As you can see I've finished these lovely pinwheel mitts (pattern from Bombella & project notes here) so I'm all set to stay cosy in the snow that is forecast here for Sunday. I'll be wearing these a lot through this month because not only are they lovely and warm but I think they look rather Christmassy too.
Sadly there will be one less present under our tree this year and our Christmas decorations and celebrations will be muted, as my father-in-law Gwyn passed away last week after a long and valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. The death of a loved one concentrates your mind on the importance of the others that you love and hold dear and I'm seeking out extra cuddles with everyone at the moment. Sometimes life gets so busy that we don't always find the time to express our love and affection and families can be messy with disagreements, tussles and misunderstandings. It rarely occurs to us that we have limited time together and that there's no way of knowing how long that might be.
So, all I'm hoping for this Christmas is a little peace and warmth with those I love, some laughter, some close times to treasure and some warm memories of those no longer here. Gwyn always drank a toast at 11am on Christmas morning to 'absent friends'. This Christmas and every Christmas to come he'll be at the forefront of our thoughts as we carry on his tradition and raise a glass to his memory.
J x
little cotton rabbits 
Beautiful mitts! So sorry to hear about your father-in-law.
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I 💓Those mitts!!! Sorry for your loss, I have lost both my Mom & Dad, it’s a hard thing losing someone, praying for y’all! Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas😊
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I’m sorry for your loss, especially at this time of year. While others are celebrating you have a heavy heart. My father died 10 days before Christmas when I was 40. My mother had died earlier in that year. It certainly focuses one on the importance of loved ones. It made the season bittersweet for a number of years. That was 30 years ago and I’m looking forward to spending time with my children and grandchildren during this season. Times with those you love to make memories, what could be better!
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I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
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I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that you find the extra warmth and cuddles you need as well as the peace you wish for others. Be gentle with yourself during this time of sadness as I’m sure you’ll be caring for all of your loved ones. All the best wishes for this time of transition to be full of love, peace, and grace.
Take care!
(Your mitts are so lovely – just like everything you knit. I’m glad you’ll be able to enjoy them this holiday season!)
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Sending peace and comfort your way from a fellow person grieving the loss of someone close. x
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So sorry for you loss. This time of year especially, it is never easy to lose those we love. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you are still able to enjoy the Holidays and keep your father in law close to your heart and think of the good times from the past.
Mary Lea
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I am so sorry to read about the loss in your family. Sending love and peace to you and your family.
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I really am so sorry for your loss Julie, it will be a very different Christmas for you this year.
Your mittens are lovely and indeed very Christmassy and will be cosy in the snow…..its already here with us, sadly I’m not a fan!
Take care and much love,
V x
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I’m sorry to read of your loss. I’m sure you’ll be comforted by your toast and the memories of Gwyn.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
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I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.
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Treasure your memories of Gwyn and have a peaceful Christmas with your family.
Sue x
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I raise my glass to Gwyn and big hugs to you from Oz. My father in law died a week before xmas last year…….and my Mum earlier in the year so extra thoughts of love all round xo
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Profoundly sad for your loss during this holiday season.
Not to take away from your grieving, but I lost my mother 3 years ago and somehow I feel as if she’s still around. I know she is. To affirm such feelings, she’s given me little signs that only she and I were familiar with. With that said, I’m sure Gwyn is with you and your family. Loved ones really never leave us.
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I am so sorry for you and your husband’s great loss. When my best friend was dying, she embroidered me a framed clock face on the back of which she had written, “Time to call a friend.” The same can be said for family, too. I wish you and your family a beautiful Christmas with happy memories of your father-in-law, and the richness of family love.
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My sympathies to all your family at this difficult time.
Your mitts are lovely.
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Beautiful written…
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Such true, true words! My heartfelt condolences for your loss. Do feel yourself hugged, please.
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So sorry about your dear Father in Law. Sending love to you all.
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Beautifully written indeed. My deepest condolences to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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You know I’m so sad about your father in law Julie. You have so much on your plate to deal with, that those ‘waves’ are still flowing from me in your direction. Your mittens are beautiful and the photos are gorgeous. Much love. Xxxx
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So sorry to hear about your sad loss, you and your family are in my thoughts. CJ xx
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So sorry that your family must feel this pain and walk in an altered way. To carry on his tradition is so very thoughtful. God Bless…
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Beautiful mittens Julie,
So sorry for Gwyn’s loss to you and your family, hope Toby is not too
unsettled by the changes and the sadness around him.
Wishing you peace, joy and cuddles always not just for Christmas.
Lucy
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Beautiful mittens. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My darling Mum passed away from Pancreatic Cancer two years ago, devastating. Hope you are all finding comfort and that Toby is okay, Jane x
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Sorry to hear of your loss. x
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Such a devastating loss, especially this time of year. Sending hugs and peace.
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Sinceres condoléances. MURIEL
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What a nicely written post to tell such sad news for your family. Wishing you peace.
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Dear Julie… so sorry to hear of your loss. These people in our life who shape us, support us and play starring roles are hard to say goodbye to. Thinking of you and your family during this bittersweet time. Hopefully the shadow cast will make you see & appreciate the season more clearly. We really aren’t here very long. 💕
From across the silvery sea, Lori from Port Perry
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Sorry to hear about your loss. Losing a loved one is always so very hard but at this time of year somehow it is made even more difficult, xxx
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Oh Julie, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish for you all that the memories of Gwyn comfort you at this sad time.
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Sorry to hear of your loss Julie, never easy easpecially at this time of year. Sending love x
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Julie, So sorry to hear of Gwyn’s passing. Be kind to yourself and know you all are in so manys’ thoughts and prayers.
May you find peace and comfort in your memories and love.
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so sorry for your loss and specially this time of the year,try have a lovely xmas.
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so sorry for your loss and specially this time of the year,try have a lovely xmas.
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so sorry for your loss and specially this time of the year,try have a lovely xmas.
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so sorry for your loss and specially this time of the year,try have a lovely xmas.
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so sorry for your loss and specially this time of the year,try have a lovely xmas.
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so sorry for your loss and specially this time of the year,try have a lovely xmas.
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so sorry for your loss and specially this time of the year,try have a lovely xmas.
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so sorry for your loss and specially this time of the year,try have a lovely xmas.
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so sorry for your loss and specially this time of the year,try have a lovely xmas.
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So sorry for your loss.
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Awww, what a lovely Christmas tradition — it brought tears to my eyes. ;-( I’m so sorry for your loss Julie. XO
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So sorry and such sad news. I lost my mum over Christmas a couple of years ago and Christmas celebrations are always a painful reminder!
Your gloves however,are a seasonal delight…such talent!! xx
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I am so very sorry for the loss of this special person. Thinking of you and your family.
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Condolences on your father in laws passing, your sentiments are heartwarming and so true! Warm memories do help the sting of loss of dear loved ones.
Your mitts are just adorable, and Christmassy for sure, they look toasty warm! Wishing you special moments and memories this Christmas!
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