It's his first Christmas without her...

This is my dad and my stepmom and these 2 pics were part of their holiday card welcoming 2016. She was told that her horrible struggle with cancer was behind her. They went to the beach in the cold weather and she decided to take off her wig and snap these pictures to show the world that life was to be lived with a strong heart and a full smile and that my dad wasn't the only one who looked great bald!

Soon after she started to gain normalcy back in her life, another cancer snuck in and completely destroyed everything but her spirit. Both she and my dad are in the medical field (as others in my fanily so when things got too medical it was comforting to have interpreters) so they knew what to expect but you never can really prepare. It was a very hard year and I don't know how she suffered through it. My father, by her side throughout, watched feeling helpless as she left this world. I watched as my father broke down and I wasn't sure he would make it through.

She loved the holidays because she loved family and giving. This holiday season is the first that my father is without her and although he will be with all of us, my heart breaks knowing he is alone.

I just want to send my love to all of those who may be alone this holiday season or for those who need a little extra. If you need to vent or chat, I am here.

Thank you for reading. I've been having a rough time of it lately for this reason and a million others and lurking through your posts have kept me sane. I've been getting the courage to comment and post lately. I even am participating in the secret santa exchange, something my step mother would have gotten a kick out of.

TL:DR; Cancer stole from my father (and all of us) and this holiday season is his first without his wife but these pics remind me how badass her spirit was.