Family and Friends Forum

Thank you it's a very strange one merry Christmas ???? ???? ???? ???? ????

One Step,



Am in the kitchen, cooking and listening to Michael Buble whilst doing Christmas tea.. not letting what is happening take away our Christmas... take care all..

Thinking of you

And it's finally over hated all Christmas this year

mh loved one in court January fingers crossed this time next year we are all sorted xxx

Last two Christmases spent wondering where we would be next year regarding our son - and here we are post sentencing and still standing. I'd like to say we feel jubilant and relieved but I think it will be a while before we can relax into normality despite a suspended sentence and so far no repurcussions from the media although we think it has been published (we have chosen not to look or ask anyone else to tell us, but have had a comment made, thankfully from someone supportive).

BUT however we feel we are so thankful that we do have a conclusion to this awful 3 years and we know our emotions need to settle and that will take time. 'Hope for the best and prepare for the worst' has been our mantra for so long that we need to learn how to relax into normality once more I think as it's no way to live once the crisis/danger/ tragedy has resolved itself.

So I just want to say to everyone in the same place as us in 2023 and 2024 - your time will come and you will get through this dark time whatever the circumstances. If nothing else we have learned so much about true friendships, the kindness of strangers here on this forum and it has made us much less judgmental about others because who knows what anyone is going through in life?

Happy Christmas everyone xxx

Rainyday52 , I completely echo what you are saying. I am in a very similar position, post sentencing of my autistic son. Yes the intensity of feeling has subsided but there is no great rejoicing at the relief of a conclusion. It will always be there and we all just have to now adjust to a new way of life. Like you, the past 3.5 years has been so traumatic that it has forever changed my outlook in life. I hope I am more acutely aware of how nothing I witness or read about is how it looks. There is always a wider story around any headline.

All things shall pass and we can only continue to hope that the future is brighter x

After several awful Christmases this year was lovely. Had no pressure to buy the perfect gift or produce a feast.

One thing this shit show has taught me is what is actually important in life - and it's the more simple things.

I'm newly divorced and feel at peace. 3 years ago I could never have dreamed to feel like this.