Jewells of Thought

The holidays bring about some difficult truths for some of us. Everyone in this life suffers and everyone suffers loss of a friend and family member. Over the years we see holes in our family gatherings.

This year it’s still fresh… September wasn’t that far ago. Although, I am certain my Dad, his sisters and Grandma as well as Uncle Jim, my cousins feel it more keenly than most of us. I am reminded of Aunt Carol because of the shoes I now have. I didn’t realize how close we were to the same shoe size. It’s a comforting reminder and yet how different life feels without her here with us.

The Sunday afternoon and early evening of the viewing still comes to my mind. Sitting with Grandma and having her squeeze my hand, thanking me for being attentive to her needs during that emotional and ambiguous day at the funeral parlor. Of course, we know exactly where she is Aunt Carol was saved. There are no qualms that she is with Christ with Grandpa Leo and so many others.

Thanksgiving was a day for Grandma to take photos with all of her children. This year will be that first year to be just a bit different. Usually God has a way of sending a beautiful blessing as one dies. When Uncle Mike died we got little Selena just months before. About a month ago one of 2 new baby boys was born. Early next year we are due to have the 2nd baby.

The silver lining of life even when a death happens is that life goes on. Aunt Carol won’t be forgotten we will take our memories of her with us always. Thanksgiving is a time to remember those good times for the blessings that they were. Then when time comes sharing that loved one with those little ones as they grow up. I was fortunate to get the names of my grandpa’s into my nieces ears and she knows her great-grandpa’s names and what they looked like even though she personally didn’t know them.

Life is bittersweet at times… but we must always Give Thanks for what we have been given.