I’ve been meaning to write about this for a while and tonight seemed most appropriate as a family member passed today. It is not an easy thing to write about. 

At Thanksgiving, I asked a lady how she was celebrating.  She said they weren’t sure because holidays were too sad. She and her husband had lost their teenage son and it was still too difficult to celebrate without him. My heart was full of sadness for her. I know with time the pain will lessen, but I also know it will never go away. My sister suffered the same sadness and still feels the loss. 

This Christmas, I talked to a friend whose father passed away in October. She said she didn’t feel like celebrating this year. My aunt passed away today and the funeral is next week. I’m sure her family doesn’t feel like “doing” Christmas. My thoughts and prayers go out to each one who suffers recent loss of family or friends. 

I love holidays and I love being with my family; but I’m always a little melancholy. I miss my mother and step-father and all the Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners at their house. I remember all the Christmas celebrations at my grandmother’s house. I remember the last time I saw my nephew as we celebrated Christmas activities at my daughter’s house. I miss them all. 

As we grow older, we lose more and more friends and relatives. It is a part of life but holidays and other special occasions can be especially difficult. The sadness never fully goes away; but, hopefully, we can cherish our memories of those we love and build new ones as we move forward with life.