Wednesday, December 26, 2012

A Slice of Christmas



 At the end of Christmas day, I am sitting in my favorite chair by the tree, soft music playing, surrounded by opened presents. Greg is off to check in with some friends, the girls are relaxing with a movie downstairs, and the dog has abandoned her rawhide bone until morning. It was a lovely day and now we are enjoying some quiet.

I am so grateful for this lovely day. A few days ago, I was crying by my parents’ grave, dreading this holiday. How could I celebrate without Mom? But, Mom reminded me of everything I did have. I had extra hugs from my girls all week who were both moved by the season, and a little worried about me being sad. I had the loving, watchful eye of my husband, ready to swoop in and hold me as I cried, to take the girls so I could be alone, or to crack a joke to make me laugh – whatever I seemed to need. I had my sisters and brothers, all feeling the same loss, all supporting each other through it.

Christmas was a slice of love and beauty in what had otherwise been a difficult month. I miss my Mom and Dad, and more so during the holidays. But on Christmas, I felt their love more than their absence.

Merry Christmas everyone.

(My Slice of Life is posted a little late, but you can read more here.)

3 comments:

  1. Oh Laura, thanks for this heartfelt post. It's bittersweet to celebrate holidays without loved ones. My daughter held me Christmas morning as I cried, and my mom has been gone for 22 Christmases.

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    1. Thanks, Ramona. I've been thinking a lot about how we "adult orphans" are expected to quickly recover from our loss. But, no matter how old you are, losing your mother is life-changing.
      I hope you and your daughter enjoyed sharing memories, and a good cry.

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  2. "I felt their love more than their absence." What a beautiful statement. Just the hope all of us who celebrate while missing special ones need in our hearts.

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