In remembrance this 2011 Christmas Season...

One of the blogs I follow is "Diane Estrella: That's What I'm Here For". On her blog she posts book reviews and snip-its of life that always bring a smile to my face. This past Monday she posted a blog titled "In Memory of..." with a beautiful photograph of her mother and shared some of her memories.

She invited those following the blog to "link up" and share our stories to remember our loved ones during the holidays. Elaine W. Miller blogged shared ways NOT to be depressed during the holidays, but instead - JOYful! One way I think is to remember the people in our lives that made us smiles for so many years.

After meeting some of my family I chose to remember during the holidays and throughout the year (because they helped to make me who I am today) ~ I invite you to "link up" to Diane Estrella's site at http://dianeestrella.com/?p=7578 to meet some other wonderful people today.

Merry Christmas Everyone! A "Christmas Series" begins tomorrow, Mom and I have been going through the old albums again. Get ready...

In remembrance of my beautiful sister, Heidi M. Allen who was kidnapped on April 3rd, 1994 while working alone at the D & W Convenience Store in New Haven, New York. Heidi is still missing today but never forgotten. We continue to pray she will be found. (left)

In remembrance of my joyful cousin, Shawnacy Searles who was killed in a motorcycle accident the following year after Heidi's kidnapping. (right)

---

In remembrance of my Gram and her siblings, my Great Aunts and Uncles. From left to right: Aunt Judy Spencer, Uncle Bob Hogan, My Gram Mary, Uncle Bill Hogan, Aunt Kit and Aunt Ellen. With the exception of my Great Uncle Bill who celebrates his 90th birthday next week on Christmas, this portion of the wonderful and fun-loving Hogan clan are celebrating in heaven.

---

In remembrance of my Uncle Tom (black suit/white shirt on the right) and my Aunt Nancy (far right with white and red on). Uncle Tom the year after Heidi disappeared and my beloved aunt passed away after a valiant battle against cancer.

---

In remembrance of my Grandma and Grandpa Allen, my dad's parents. They were still holding hands in their retirement, this photo was taken while celebrating Christmas in Florida with my Aunt Bev and Uncle Don. They were too cute.

---

In remembrance of my Gram Mary and Grandpa Searles. (my mom's parents) Grandpa died when I was in 3rd grade during "test week" so I still had to go to school and couldn't attend the funeral. Haven't forgot that. Gram passed away in 1998, thankfully after meeting her great-grandaughter. One of my daughter's name sakes.

---

In remembrance of my wonderful cousin Terry Downing (above, dancing with my Great Aunt Judy) and my father's best friend, Wick Duell.

There are so many I wish to share a photo and introduction in their honor yet the blog would be too long. To mention but a few - my cousin Tracy, Uncle Pete, Uncle Buss, and the friends, neighbors,  and family near and far that have blessed me and helped to make me who I am today. Thank you and you are never forgotten.

---