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[rolysmate]

Christmas eve is on us and the big guy has his sled loaded and on his way and tomorrow will be full of excited children, turkey and brussel sprouts and fun will be had by all (we hope)

There will though of course be the empty chairs and presents not bought for lost loved ones and they will be missed (but life must go on)

Four years ago I lost Dad and approaching Christmas was feeling low (understatement) when a friend of mine who lives in Norfolk suggested that at 12.00 we should raise a glass and toast to lost loved ones, we then invited a few family members and friends to join us.

On the day at 12'00 I took myself out onto the patio with my mug of tea and at 12 raised it to the heavens and toasted Dad and somehow at that moment knowing I wasn't alone and that I was stood with others sharing their love.

Since then we have through the power of facebook made it an annual event inviting friends from far and wide, last year on the day there was more than 300 of us all stood together at 12 wherever we where (worldwide) and after the event so many stated how much better they felt knowing that we were all stood together shoulder to shoulder sharing our los and love.

With this in mind I would invite you to join us tomorrow at 12.00 wherever you are and raise a toast "to lost loved ones"

Merry Christmas to my new running familyfriends wishing you all much joy and happiness

Love and best wishes

rolysmate

aka Puffin Billy

Paul John Walker, the born again runner xxx

[ChrisAllen1 Graduate]

Lovely post and lovely thought.

[rolysmate Graduate in reply to ChrisAllen1]

Feel free to join us Chris

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

What a lovely idea. I will join you to toast my Mum. ☕️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

I will be there my friend xxx My toast may be champagne..is that okay x

[rolysmate Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Absolutely, mine will be a good old Yorkshire tea

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate]

Lovely post, lovely idea. I will definitely join you at 12.00.

Merry Christmas rolysmate xx

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

What a wonderful idea. We may still be on the road then, but will definitely use that time to think of those near and dear to me who I have lost.

[HeleneCorsa Graduate]

What a lovely post. I will consider it a privilege to do likewise tomorrow.

I hope you have a great Christmas xx

[poppypug Graduate]

Happy Christmas to you !

That is such a lovely thing to do. I will be at Midnight Mass tonight and will light a candle for all our dearly departed loved ones xxx

[TJMazz Graduate]

I love that idea. Very touching. I’m sure my Dad will appreciate a toast at 12.00 tomorrow. 😇

[rolysmate Graduate in reply to TJMazz]

stand next to me if you want

[TJMazz Graduate in reply to rolysmate]

Awe, thank you. So very kind. It’s always a difficult day without our loved ones. My Dad loved Christmas celebrations so I always try so hard to keep the tradition of a happy family Christmas. A toast for him and everyone else’s loved ones together is a very special thought. 😢

[rolysmate Graduate in reply to TJMazz]

yes plus you realise your not alone in your grief

[Bridget007 Graduate]

It’s such a lovely idea I will join you to toast my lovely mum and dad xxx

[rolysmate Graduate in reply to Bridget007]

you will be very welcome

[Bridget007 Graduate]

Thank you xx

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

❤️❤️❤️...don’t forget you are the ‘pocket rocket’ too..........here’s to our loved ones...by Mum wiould be raising a glass of port....cheers rolysmate ...sharing your feeling of loss x

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate]

To lost loved ones. Cheers. XxX