For everyone that is feeling the excruciating pain that the loss of a loved one brings this Christmas, please know that you are not alone-
not to rejoice because others are hurting, but to take comfort in the fact that others understand your pain and grief.
It was just over a decade ago that my grandpa died on Christmas Eve. Not that he really had any control over his time of death, but, I believe in my heart that he knew Christmas Eve was the only time the entire family would be together. We all got to be with him that night as he slowly faded. He couldn’t have chosen a more perfect time to die- surrounded by the ones that loved the him most. He wouldn’t have had it any other way. And while the memories are still painful, they are peaceful as well. We all still miss him immensely.
I came across the following words last night in book called “The In-Between” by Erica Staab. It’s an incredible and powerful short little book about the journey we take when we are in the process of healing from the depths of the pain and grief that only the loss of a loved one brings.
“When I listen closely I can hear your heart breaking, I don’t have to know what caused you such pain, what tears at the fabric of your heart. I can feel how deep your loss is, I can see the tears held behind your eyes. I can hear the catch in your voice when you say “I’m fine.”
Although all of our journeys look different-
often they begin in the same place-
that of torn faith, of a shattered heart,
of a moment in time where the world stopped
and where life seemed to stand still...”
For everyone reeling from the pain of a lost loved one this Christmas, take comfort in the love that family and friends bring. Know that at sometime in the future,
you will be okay. Take comfort in the fact that you are never alone.
Peace and love to everyone this season and Merry Christmas. Wrap yourselves in the arms of your loved ones and rejoice.
My list is pretty short for 2012. I resolve to live in the moment and to always give back. Not sure what this will all entail yet but I plan to figure it out as I go. Guided by faith, love, hopes, and dreams- my wish is to make the world a better place, one tiny step at a time.