Susan,Thanks, BarbaraL. I see my mom every day and tomorrow after her doctor's appointment we shall go out to lunch. I will have to bundle her up as it is suppose to snow.
you've mentioned that all the family traditions can't be done now..I know it's hard but, pick one simple one that meant the world to you and your mom and dad..Like this one we do my dad loved making Tom and Jerry's every Christmas Eve, we still do it and raise the cups in honor of the two of them and each of us say's something//Like Hi mom and dad, wish you were here, we miss you , we love you after we drink the Tom and Jerry and it just makes the evening more as it use to be..You could just do one little thing they both loved it will make you feel better, sure a little wet around the eyes but you heart will be full of love and you will be passing a tradition on to you children in memory of grandma and grandpa..
kadesma