During Christmas I tend to think about loved ones in such a
sentimental way. I remember the most tender of moments and those that
make me laugh. Our family lights candles each Christmas morning as
a way to remember those which are not able to celebrate with us, but we want to
remember and include in our celebration. Ladd’s father, Adam, my
grandparents, Conward and Wanell and JV and Lucille. In Christmas’ past,
we only lit 3 candles, but last year the triangle of three became a circle of 5
candles. It felt sad to light the candles and I spent my morning feeling
a bit weepy, that is, till I received a call from my sister. The
remainder of Christmas was spent sitting in the hospital holding the hands of
my nieces, comforting them and hugging my sister providing her words of
encouragement and praying with the family. My sister’s sweet
mother-in-law, Mildred, had a stroke last Christmas and their lives have
changed ever since. They had always planned every Sunday lunch, birthday,
holiday, summer fish fry, and pumpkin carving to include sweet Mildred.
Now Mildred does not always remember her family nor is she able to recollect
the many memories of the past.
I tell you all of this because I want you to remember, it’s
not that a person is with us or not with us physically. What is important
are the memories we hold. Focus on the good memories, the ones that
lift you up, encourage you and make you smile. Embrace the tears you may
shed and the belly laughs you may exert. Take time to create new
memories and traditions this year.
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