My neighborhood is lit up for the season. We had a little snow earlier in the week, and there's nothing like Christmas lights on a house in the snow.

I'm thinking this weekend about my younger cousin. He was 28, and we lost him last winter to a violent seizure. I'm flying to my mom's house for Christmas, and his dad (my uncle) will spend the holiday with us, and a number of other people. I'm thinking more about him, because in the last eight years, he lost his wife, his son, and his brother (my dad). All of them were too young. I can't really blame him when he has nothing but bitterness to say of the world.

Still thinking of all of you dear people who are feeling the void at this time. The presence and support of others on these forums has been a significant help to me this year.