It isn’t easy to post this week. I have a myriad of beautiful images of the Christmas lights sparkling around the Algarve, but on this day I will be saying goodbye to two men. One, a family member- my stepbrother who loved and cared for my Dad like his own. The other, a man who loved life and was loved in return. Both leave behind grieving widows, and families who are shocked at an unexpected turn of events. It’s never easy, but this is a time of year when everybody is set to celebrate. Without them.
The sun goes down 
And the lights come on 
A seat awaits 
Rudolph has left his antlers 
But all is peaceful in the stork’s nest
And on the waterfront 
The sign of the cross
RIP Tony and Terje.
restlessjo 
Sorry for your loss, Jo. It’s never easy to say goodbye. May your memories of them cheer you on and know that they were not forgotten. 🙂
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Yesterday was in part a day of celebration, Miriam. Today and all the tomorrows … a long way to go 🙂 🙂 Thank you!
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I understand how it goes, Jo. Best wishes to you and your family. 🤗🙂
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Oh Jo, I am so sorry. This has by far been a year filled with so many heartbreaks and losses. I am so sorry for your loss. I am still trying to wrap my soul around this past year. While I haven’t lost anyone like you have, I still feel like I’ve lost a part of my soul. It has been so hard. Sending love to you and your friends and family. Take care of yourself. Thinking of you and so glad that I’ve met so many special people like you over the years of blogging. xoxo
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It’s not a good way to end the year, Nicole. The death here was Covid-related and they had to switch off his life support so his wife had 5 weeks of pure hell. In the UK my stepbrother had a heart attack. Which is kinder? I’d have to choose the second, but the grief is the same. And I can only stand by and watch. Your lovely kids are the future, Nicole. Hold on to that. Best wishes to you all for 2021. 🙂 🙂
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Oh Jo. I am so sorry to read this. It has really truly been a very very hard year. We on our end have had a lot of personal struggle too in my extended family. But yes, our children are the future and life will improve. We have to have hope. I have had so much hope in seeing how politically active my children are becoming. They want a better future. Soon we will thank God have a new president. I feel hope finally. Happy new year my friend and so sorry about your loss.
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So sorry for your loss Jo. Losing people you care about will never get easy 😦
Alison
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Never, Alison. And in brutal circumstances. Thank you! 🙂 🙂
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I’m sorry to read your sad news Jo. They sounded like fine men.
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They both were, Aggie. The world is a poorer place without them. 🙂 🙂
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Such a sad time jo. But thank you for finding the time to show us these beautiful Christmas lights. Stay strong and safe and have a peaceful Christmas
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Thanks, Pauline 🙂 🙂 Still trying to think my way around Christmas. I have no clue what I’ll be doing, but it won’t be in England. Peace and good cheer to you and Jack xx
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We won’t be going to see our son in Sydney now, the borders will maybe close and we’ll be stuck there…☹️
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It’son the increase there too, or trying to contain it, hon? Sending you Christmas hugs 🙂 🙂
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Trying to contain it Jo. In comparison with the rest of the world it is very minor, but they don’t want it to get away from them. So it is get everyone to go for a test in the infected area and close off areas into lockdown. Hope it works 🤭😷
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Fabulous lights show Jo 🙂 It isn’t the time of year to have such sadness.
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Looking back I think we’ll say this was a year to be got through, Brian. I’m still trying to get there. 🙂 🙂 Thanks for your kindness.
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Yes Jo, a trying year all round with the occasional WTF moment. I found some spare (((hugs))) so they are on the way 🙂
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Gratefully accepted 🙂 🙂 Smiling back at you!
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Oh, gosh! I am so sorry to hear this, Jo. Sending lots of love to you all.
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Thanks, Susan. It’s been a difficult week. 😦 😦
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Very sorry for your loss. Embrace the beauty of the lights that represent the promise that one day you will unite with them
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The lights are lovely this year, Alice. Thank you 🙂 🙂
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I feel sad for the families. May God give strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.
Nice shots Jo.
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Friends and family gather round at first but then reality sets in. I feel for the widows, Rupali 😦 Thank you!
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🙏
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It’s never easy to say goodbye, but it is doubly cruel at this time of year. Sending you some virtual hugs 🤗
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The strangest day, Jude! A Zoom cremation is horrible. The church service this afternoon was much more uplifting, but I needed a brisk walk afterwards. 🙂 🙂 And a drink!
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I’m sure you did. Hope you can relax now and that there are no more horrid surprises.
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Leeds is still Tier 3 so more or less certain we’re not going.
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No point as you have to self isolate so you can’t even meet up for 10 days, and then outdoors only on tier 3. There will be better times I’m sure. Both Genna and Alex are tier 3.
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I couldn’t agree more, Jude and a virtual hug to you, Jo. The festive photos certainly uplifted my mood and reminded me of happier times. Thanks for sharing them 🙂
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I know that Denise (here) has company till New Year’s Day, and I’m sure Carole will have the family gathered round, but two very vital parts of their lives are missing. It’s hard, Suzanne. I know you have some wonderful memories. 🙂 🙂
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Wonderful photos. I’m so sorry for your loss, it’s been a tough year.
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It surely has! Thanks a lot, Nikki 🙂
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Sending condolences. Beautiful lights to focus on and remember happy memories.
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Thanks for your kind thoughts 🙂 🙂
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The lights are beautiful, but I understand how bittersweet they are for you. So sorry for you and everyone involved.
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The clearest blue sky day here, Anabel, but I don’t suppose there is ever a good day to say goodbye to a partner. So sorry for both widows. A Zoom cremation is so soulless! But the church ceremony this afternoon was as joyful as these things can be. 🙂 🙂
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😢
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What a nice tribute to Tony and Terje. Your photos are wonderful Jo. 😀
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Thanks a lot, Cee. It’s been an emotional day 🙂 🙂
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My thoughts and feelings are with you.
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Thanks, sweetheart 🙂 🙂
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I’m really sorry for your loss, especially at a time like this. That’s a lovely tribute. Take care of yourself and your loved ones! 💖
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Thanks, hon! Not an easy day but much easier for me than the widows. 😦
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So sorry for your loss, it’s never easy. May the lights of the Algarve and the ocean sounds give you some comfort at this difficult time.
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After the 2 ceremonies I went for a brisk walk to the sea. Thank you! 🙂 🙂
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Sorry to hear your bad news Jo.
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Thanks, hon. Not an easy day. Clear blue skies here. I went for a brisk walk after the two ceremonies. 🙂 🙂 And a drink was called for.
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So sorry for the unexpected loss of two people dear to you, specially so close to Christmas. A big hug Jo.
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It’s a hard time for loss, Sami, but this is a hard time for many. One death was Covid-related. Thanks, darlin!
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Never easy to say goodbye! So sorry to hear about this. No words can fill the void caused by losing a dear one. May god give the strength to you n your family to sail through this… your pictures definitely add some cheer this morning. Stay strong 🤗🤗
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It’s been a strange day, Rita. One funeral in the UK, via Zoom, and the other with rock music in a local church. I went for a walk afterwards, under clear blue skies, to clear my head. 🙂 🙂 Thanks, hon!
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Very sad 😞 take care…
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