She laid in that hospital for weeks and every time I drive through town, I'm reminded of that. As I sat there looking at it again, I was reminded of the many Christmas' that we came to their house. She was always dressed nice, dress pants and a sweater. The house was decorated, the table was set, the food was cooking, and the presents were under the huge Christmas tree. I never knew how much time, planning, and work she put into making everything perfect until she was gone. Her love and sacrifice for her family. It's just not the same without her there. This was our 5th Christmas without her.
I was also reminded of so many that were spending their first Christmas with an empty chair at their table. Friends this year who have lost a husband, a sister, a mother, a brother. And they will soon be starting a new year without them as well.
Death. An ugly reminder of the sin in this world.
Death. A reminder of why we celebrate Christmas. The Christ child, who humbled himself to come to this earth because we are sinners. The ultimate sacrifice. He became man. He suffered. He died.
All of this reminds us that in the imperfections, the hurts, the pains of this world.......We need to be Thankful. And so I continue my list of gratitude.
449-461
Love came down
Health on Christmas Day (after Brad and I both had strep throat)
A candlelit Christmas breakfast
A White Christmas
Family
Kids reciting verses as we read through the Advent Book
Carol singing
Lights that remind me of "The Light"
Gifts that remind me of "The Gift"
Mounds of paper
Joy on Children's faces
Screams of delight
Good food
I Thessalonians 5:18
1 comment:
This is a beautiful, bittersweet sharing of your heart. Love the pictures. This was our 6th Christmas without our forever 16 year old son who died 2 weeks before Christmas. So, I understand that ache of an empty chair and missing. Thank you for sharing.
Post a Comment