Tuesday, December 1, 2009

This time of the year

This time of the year is always a little bittersweet for me.

I lost my father-in-law two days before Christmas to a massive heart attack and my dad, 3 days after Christmas to mesothelioma (lung cancer caused by asbestos).
One was taken quickly and one lingered slowly before being taken from my life.

I go through many emotions and tears at Christmas. The emptiness of death is too much to bear at times, but two beautiful, young grandchildren are helping to fill the voids. Watching them wide-eyed in wonderment of the tree, the lights, and the gifts helps to lessen the pain. Too many ornaments are bunched up on single branches of the tree. Christmas window stickers brings smiles and laughter to all that see my "beautiful" holiday decorations.

There is truly truth in the phrase, "God bless the little children." Children bring joy and laughter to an otherwise lonely heart.

May you experience children in your lives whether they are yours, your grandchildren or neighbors. They are truly a joy to behold.

1 comment:

Sherry Pierce Thurner said...

Sighing here. Yes, the holidays make our family losses fresh, don't they? Sending virtual hugs.