This morning I read a friend’s Facebook post and in it she lamented that today was her anniversary. Her beloved husband passed several years ago and if he were still alive they would have been married 33 years today.
Another friend had a link to a post called 19 Signs Your Mom Is Your Best Friend with a comment about how much she misses her mom. I understand…I miss mine too and she’s been gone 23 years. There is no time limit on grief.
And then I read this post from a mom who lost her 13 year old son to cancer this year.
“Wish more then anything that we were buying Christmas presents for our sweet son instead of flowers for the cemetery.”
There were pictures of her younger son placing flowers on his brother’s grave. Just looking at the pictures was heartbreaking. I can’t fathom their level of grief.
Not Such a Holly-Jolly Christmas
I love Christmas but so many times people with hurting hearts are forgotten this time of year. The only way to ease the pain that comes with loss of a loved one is to pray for them, let them know (preferably by telling them in person) that they are not alone and that they are not forgotten. We can be a shoulder to lean on and even more importantly, a listening ear. Sometimes the silence of a friend who listens and really cares is the best medicine of all.
Ask yourself these questions
1. Who do I know who has lost a loved one recently?
2. Who do I know who has a difficult time (for whatever reason) during the holidays?
3. Are they close enough I can go see them and just be with them for awhile?
4. Is there a specific need I can help them meet?
I’m not trying to be Scrooge but it just feels wrong to pretend that Christmas is always Holly-Jolly. That every home is straight out of a Hallmark movie with beautiful trees and laughing children. If you know someone with a hurting heart, reach out to them. Comfort them as best you can. We are all in the big boat of LIFE together and it’s easier to face stormy seas when someone holds your hand.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 (NIV)
Yes, indeed, it is easier to face the stormy seas when someone holds your hand. Thank you, sweet friend, for holding mine.
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Life and memories are so bittersweet. I appreciate your comment so much and remember your parents as wonderful people and good neighbors! Blessings to you Sheryl!
Thank you so much for sharing this thought. Like your mother, my mom was my best friend and the “19 signs..” didn’t need to confirm it for me but certainly reinforced what I already knew. Like yourself, with both our parents gone, I find holidays have a part of us missing but I try to talk about the memories they provided me to my children and grandchildren so they will know them like I did. There are times when I hear certain songs, sounds of laughter, or visuals that will bring back memories and tears to my eyes but also warms my heart. As long as I live I will not stop missing my mother nor my father; I can only hope that I will leave memorable impacts on my children and grandchildren like they did. Bless you my friend.