Post by Linda Anderson, DeDe Houghton’s mom. Shown below, Luke and Ryan celebrating Christmas of 2010 in Mexico.
Here it is the 20th of December and I am spending the evening here at the blog, re-reading the special messages so many have left here over the last year and a half. Messages have stopped and maybe no one is reading the blog these days, but I feel a closeness just being here and sharing.
A few weeks ago as I was driving to my son Mitch’s to take my Christmas card picture with Bailey and Grant I was thinking about the many pictures I have from so many years (16 in all). I was thinking how when I started this annual tradition it would be something I could leave for my four precious grandchildren to remember me by and hopefully think and remember the times we shared. I never thought two would be gone and be real angels watching over me from above. As I was driving I looked at the clouds inthe sky, which I have always enjoyed and find peace while watching. All of a sudden as clear as could be was a staircase oin the clouds. I was so astounded I blinked and looked again, then I gave thanks for the message I received that they are only a few steps away from me and a reminder that one day I will walk those stairs and be with them all again.
A week later as I was in Sacramento again I was once again looking into the sky (yes I was driving and yes I was paying attention just peeking) and well if I had been pulled over and received a ticket for gazing distraction, I would have accepted the ticket and moved on continue my peeking. On that day there right in my view was the most beautiful cloud in the shape of a huge heart. Up in the left top curve was a perfect letter “k”, it took me a few minutes but I finally decided it was a message reminding me of their love and the “k” could be them telling me they are ok!
Christmas again without them here, and opening to the memories I hold so dear is painful and sad and yet when I look around me it is easy to believe that these messages I am receiving are from them and the comfort I find is so magnificient it is hard to put to words. Much has changed in all of our lives, children (well I guess us too) are getting older, we get caught up in our earthly lives, many are fearing 12/21/12 and some are finding humor in the fearful believers. Each of us wondering what the New Year will bring! Well for me I guess living in “this” moment and making the most of it is my comfort blanket that warms my body and my spirit. As each of you read this and are pondering your thoughts of David, DeDe, Luke and Ryan, just remember they are near and sharing each day with each of us no matter where we are or what we are doing. God and his wonderful gifts connect us and keep us connected if we just tune in. May you each be filled with Peace, Love, Joy and the loving Spirit of Christmas and each new day! Thinking of you all!
Loving hugs! Linda, Mom and Nana forever
Thank you John for selecting this picture for my message. When I was in Mulege a year ago October/November I saw this tree up on a shelf down in the garage area. The decorations were still on it. I smiled and thought of how much fun they had merging their traditions with those of Mulege and the beach. Felice Navidad and Merry Christmas would be their greetings to us all! When I go back I will take one of the ornaments and a picture of the tree. They brought Joy and Happiness to the world every day of their lives. I so appreciate what they all shared with me. I embrace them all with my thoughts and love and share in the knowing we will be together again. Peace and Love dear friends and family!
Seems the holidays will always be the happiest time of the year as families re-group and share all that makes them family, as well as being the saddest when we remember those no longer with us whose presence we miss, sometimes so desperately, that the physical pain almost consumes us. That’s when “the memories of” soothe our grieving hearts, and joy of having shared life with them brings enduring comfort. Thank you for your thoughts Lin — they live on in our hearts with all of those special people that have gone before. Much love and peaceful hearts are ours to share with all around us.
Wow, Linda, this is so beautiful. Their spirits shine through you… your words always inspire me to live life to the fullest and keep the memory of a remarkable foursome close to my heart. Shayne appreciates hearing more about Luke and we both miss his smiling face more than words can say. Wishing you comfort, love and peace as always. And keep looking to the sky! I believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that there are messages in the clouds!! Love, Michele
They’ve always been near for me and are dearly missed. I have yet to remove the red remembrance bracelet the firefighters handed out in their memory. A number of people have inquired about it and each time is an opportunity for me to regale the asker with stories about the kind-hearted and unique nature of DeDe, David, Luke, and Ryan and to show just how much affect this family had on me, personally. They are forever remembered, admired, and dearly missed!
~Alexander~
Happy New Year to all of you friends and family, as I sit here on the eve of January 4th I received a message from Gaby a dear friend telling me she had read the messages left here on the blog! I was happy to hear that some are still reading it and hope this will continue. I wanted to share another moment with you that reminded me that I am on track when I say that they remain close to us even though they are gone. I was in Nevada visiting a friend for New Years and was watching the TV at 9:00 pm our time and the Ball was just falling in New York City, I paused and was watching it and the people in the crowd, when all of a sudden I heard someone singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, it not only reminded me of my “Dorothy” but also of the sadness this song brought to me while comforting me at the memorial service in July 2011. As I stood there listening and singing along I smiled and shed a tear or two and just remembered so many moments we had all shared. Yes, I believe with all my heart and mind that they were letting me know in this special way that “WE ARE NEAR and LOVING forever”! Thank you my dear Houghtons and I will be awaiting and observant of your touching of my life! Forever, Mom * Nana