(((Susan))) I can really relate to what you're saying. From 2003 - 2007 we lost an immediate family member every year at this time, my father in 2003, MIL 2004, Grandmother 2005, Uncle and 2 cousins 2006, and Nephew 2007. It got to the point that we no longer decorate or celebrate Christmas like we used to, we just waited for the phone call to see who it would be this year. With the exceptions of our Uncle and Grandmother (both had cancer) all of these deaths came as a complete shock. Freak accidents and heart attacks.

As I post this I'm afraid to say it out loud because Christmas has not come yet, but (so far) this is the second year in a row we've had without a death during the Holidays. I'm not normally superstitious. I spoke to my husband about it and said next year we have a traditional holiday.

I'm so sorry for your loss.