Monday, December 22, 2008

A Christmas Wish pour toi

It has been a while since I've posted and I apologize.
The Holidays have kept me a bit occupied.
I wanted to say "Happy Holidays" and I have
a Christmas wish for you!
My wish for you, is that someone tells you that they
love you, and in return, you never leave those words
unspoken.

Twenty five years ago, we lost my Mother to breast cancer.
I tell you this, not to get sympathy, but to share a gift our
family received.
It was a long ordeal, trips in and out of hospitals, rude
encounters with reality, and cherished moments that
softened the blows.
My brother, Regan, was making weekend trips home
from the University to make the most from what
was.. limited time.
Sunday evenings became routine. Folding and packing
the weeks laundry, loading the car and readying
for his return trip. The last Sunday was no different
from the many that had preceded it, he was going
through the motions. Goodbyes said, keys in the
ignition, it would have been so easy for him to drive
off...BUT, he remembered he forgot to tell Mom that
he loved her. Running back to the house (pressed
for time which IS his trademark), he kisses Mom's
cheek and whispers those sweet words, I Love You.
I think you know how the story ends.



It is so easy isn't it, to get caught up in our daily
routines and take life for granted.
You never know what tomorrow brings, so please
share those simple words.
That is my wish for you, from our family to yours!
Happy Holidays and Bisou!

Thanks to my friend, Jodee for sending me the photos
via www.all-creatures.org
and PS Jodee.... I Love You!!!

49 comments:

Tea Time With Melody said...

Lovely post.

Kathleen Ellis said...

Oh! Shawn, I've been thinking of you for days, missing your beautiful posts...meant to send a quick note...but...never thought of it when I was near my computer!
What beautiful pictures and what a touching reminder of just how precious life is and how important it is to express our love daily to those who are precious to us.
When they were samall, we established the practice of telling our children we love them at the end of every phone conversation, bedtime, when they are leaving to go somewhere, anywhere...we always hug them and kiss them good-bye...now, they are all grown, but they continue to do the same!
Life is too short not to express the love and appreciation we have for each other!
So...on that note...let me say I appreciate you and the beauty you bring to my world...xoxo, Merry Christmas!

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Happy Holidays my French friend. Hope your hoildays are filled great joy and blessings, Theresa

Anonymous said...

Dear Shawn.

Thanks for sharing and lovely pictures..

There are so many of us who has lost someone to cancer..

Best wishes for you and your family from Denmark

Merry Christmas!

sandra/tx said...

Shawn, that is a lovely post. What a poignant story about your brother and mother. I normally have the volume off on my computer, so it was a nice surprise to log onto your site and listen to Enya. Have a very Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Dear Shawn,
I had been watching and waiting for a post from you. I knew it would be worth the wait! Thank you for reminding me how important it is to speak the words I feel today and not wait...
The photos are bliss! They speak to me saying, no matter our differences we are in this together.
Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
-Diana

Anonymous said...

I know you are as busy as anyone and everyone, but I have missed getting your fresh and refreshing observations lately. Your outlook on life is as lovely as your design sense. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for a lovely reminder and a beautiful story (and pictures). Merry Christmas!!

Anonymous said...

Enjoy your holidays Shawn...and thank you for such a touching post.
Life, family, friends and love is such a gift!!! Missed your fabulous posts!!!

Anonymous said...

Dearest Shawn,

Thank you, we need more people in the world like you.

Merry Christmas,
Lots of love Coty

Beautiful images !!!

Di Overton said...

Beautiful post with a message we should all learn from. Thank you. Have a beautiful Christmas Shawn
Love
Di
xo

LiLi M. said...

Thanks for sharing your story that is soo true!

Have a merry week!

Decor To Adore said...

The true spirit of Christmas.

Millie said...

I too have missed you Shawn, but understand how busy this time of the year is for you. I experienced the same thing with my darling Mum 20 years ago this Sept., so your post is especially poignant.

Last night I said goodbye to Son #2as he headed off to Morocco & then this morning at the Airport to Son #4 as he flew back to his remote place of work in far northern Australia. Those 3 words said to each of my precious boys meant even more so close to Christmas.

Thank you my friend for a wonderful year of stunning posts, always inspiring & breathtakingly beautiful. The warmest of Christmas wishes to you as your spend the holidays with all your Darlings!
Millie ^_^

Rattlebridge Farm said...

A poignant message. Happy holidays, Shawn.

Maison Douce said...

Thank you so much for your sweet story, and for reminding us of what is really important in life!!! Merry Christmas!
Isabel

The Feathered Nest said...

Dear Shawn...what a precious post...it is so important for us to take the time to tell each other how we feel ~ Your family sounds just wonderful. Wishing you and yours a blessed and peaceful Christmas and a very happy New Year!! xxoo, Dawn

Ldy ~~ Dy said...

Thank you for reminding us of what's important. Merry Christmas.

Love Your Homes said...

Dear Shawn, I think you just made this Christmas a special one. The three magic words to make you feel included among family and friends should be everyone's blessing.....Have a lovely holiday, Merry X-mas from Ingela.

P.s. Heartbreaking pictures

Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries® said...

Thank you for your beautiful and wise post. Although some people hold the belief that saying "I love you" too often somehow lessons the emotion...I am from the opposite school of thought and say it to my loved ones as often as I can...numerous times per day...when kissing goodbye in the morning...saying goodbye on the telephone...or going upstairs to work in my office while they remain downstairs. My mother (whom we lost, after a decades long battle with Mutliple Sclerosis) once told me that LOVE was one of those rare things that increases as you use it...the more you love...the more love you have to give...and receive. I tell my beloved's that I love them so they will always know...and be enveloped by that assurance. Words hold power...how wonderful to increase it by way of saying those simple words..."I love you." Thank you Shawn, for sharing your story and reminding us all.
A blessed Christmas to you and your family.
Warmly,
Tracey
P.S. Also, thank you for your lovely, lovely, blog. It is always a pleasure to visit.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos and beautiful words. Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us to slow down - expressing "I love you" takes two seconds and means the world. Merry Christmas!

KarenB said...

Thank you for your precious pictures and post. Have many wonderful moments with your loved ones this week.

Velvet and Linen said...

Thank you Shawn for sharing such a personal story to remind us of what is important.
I try to keep perspective, but sometimes I need to hear stories like yours.
May your Holidays be filled with love and happiness this year.

xo
Brooke

Sandy~Romantique Inspirations~ said...

SHAWN, I FELT THE HOLY GHOST READING YOUR TOUCHING STORY. GIRL I ALWAYS STOP FOR A BREATHER TO REALIZE HOW SHORT LIFE IS ON THIS PLANET..THAT IS WHY I HAVE THE LORD TO GET ME THROUGH THE TOUGH TIMES. OTHER WISE I DON'T THINK I WOULD MAKE IT..I'M A ANIMAL LOVER, AND I FEED THE DEER IN THE WINTER MONTHS. THOSE PICTURES REALLY TOUCH MY HEART.. GOD BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU FOR SHARING...

Bethany said...

Beautiful photos....soo precious are the words you shared, too. Thank you for this lovely post and have a wonderful Christmas too :)

Jacque said...

I have returned to your blog three times now to view these photos, and once to show a friend. Thank you to you and the photographer they have been a gift to me, Merry Christmas! Jacque

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Shawn and thank you for the simple reminder. It's so important to drop what doesn't matter and just say 'i love you'. Hope you know we all love you! Thank you for your beautiful blog, pictures and inspiration you provide. Enjoy your time off and see you in '09!

Villa Anna said...

Dear Shawn, Wishing you and your family a truly magical Christmas and a healthy, happy, safe and prosperous new year. Your posted dedicated to your mum and brother was very touching and a lovely reality check. Thank you for keeping me grounded. I too have missed your sensational posts. I can't wait to see what the new year brings on country french antiques!

Anna xox.

Celestial Charms said...

Lovely post and reflective thoughts. The spirit of Christmas effects us in so many ways, but no reminder as poineint as the one you shared with us. Have a Merry Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Shawn,
Thank you for a lovely meaningful post. I too lost my mom to breast cancer 31 years ago and I know how important those words can be. I was with a friend on a trip recently & she shared with me that her mother never ever told her that she loved her & it made me so sad that she has carried this hurt way into her adult years. How those words I love you could have made all the difference in my friends life especially coming from her mother.
I have enjoyed your posts this past year & look forward to more in 2009.

Oliveaux said...

Merry Merry Christmas! Amanda x

cathyswatercolors said...

Thank you for you beautiful christmas post and for a year of sharing your treasures with all of us. MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Ewa said...

Merry Christmas! Wesolych Swiat Shawn!

Anonymous said...

oh those are the loveliest pictures ever! and your story is touching. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to you and your family.

Unknown said...

Just discovered your blog. Beautiful photos and a lovely message.
I have been quite often to the South of France and considered for a while moving there because of the way of living, the beautiful light etc. But plans change.
Thank you for sharing these lovely photos and a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you and your family.
A bientot from Munich,
Petra

A home far away said...

Ohhh such a beautiful post!

I hope you have had awonderful holiday!

Hugs Gunilla in Singapore

MIMILEE said...

Just lovely! Thank you!

Have a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Blue Muse said...

This was such a lovely post and the photographs are beautiful and sweet beyond words.

Happy Everything, Shawn!

xo Isa

vosgesparis said...

Being fronted myself with the horror and fear of that disease myself this last year..... I think your words are very very true.. We must never forget to realize how much we love our family and speak out those words loud! I wish you all the best for the new year.

mysiga heestrand said...

The photographs are beutiful and a lovely post
Kram Marita i Heestrand

Anonymous said...

This is such a beautiful blog, how could I resist such precious images.
Thank you for sharing:)

Kris said...

Hello, This is my first time visiting your blog and it will not be the last. I drooled over all of your lovely photos and read every post. WOW what beautiful decor. I see you are in Louisville, KY. Next time I'm up your way I plan to make your shop a must stop. I'm in TN. Just north of Nashville and a bit south of Franklin, KY.

Hope you had a Merry Christmas and wishing you a Happy New Year

Kris

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Hi Shawn!

What a wonderful heartfelt story! Thank you so much for sharing it. We never know what tomorrow will bring. The photos are so adorable and speak volumes about love.

Happy holidays! Hugs, Sherry

Di Overton said...

Happy 2009 (I have written a post on how to survive it)
Hugs
Di

Sandra Evertson said...

A beautiful story....Wishing you and yours a Wonderfully Happy New Year!
Sandra Evertson

Anonymous said...

With a lump in my throat, wishing you and your family and safe and fulfilling New Year, Shawn.
XO
D.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post!

Happy New Year!

savvycityfarmer said...

missed you alot while you were away.Don't always comment but always inspired.
stop on over

MIMILEE said...

What a beautiful post....the photos so precious and the lovely music adds so much to the eloquent words you wrote. God Bless!