Happy Holidays and warm wishes to you, as we welcome in the 2011 holiday season! For many, this is a very difficult time. Memories that lay dormant (or at least in the back of our minds) suddenly come at us full force, consuming much of our body, mind and soul. This is especially true if you are experiencing a recent loss, or if this time of year was significant for you or your loved one in some particular way. Those memories will be triggered by listening to Christmas carols, lighting a candle on the Menorah each day, or watching the exuberant laughter of children running throughout the malls. For me personally, decorating the Christmas tree with ornaments my grandmother made, and seeing photos with friends and family that are now DP’s – especially my beloved nephew whom I was with for his last Christmas – are the moments when the memories come forth.
Speaking of children, I was reminded that on Sunday, December 11th at 7 PM during each time zone around the globe, the Compassionate Friends has its “Worldwide Candle Lighting”. The Lighting unites families and friends as they light candles for one hour to honor and remember children who passed over at any age, from any cause. As candles are lit at 7 PM local time, hundreds of thousands of people commemorate and honor children, creating light around the world for 24 hours. For more information, visit their website: www.compassionatefriends.org.
I continue to be honored and thankful as we all should for all those who give those extra being there moments, the welcome hugs and a good ear to listen when we need it most. It is most honestly what truly gives each of our lives what is deeply meaningful. In all honesty, isn’t that what the holidays are all about? Respect and caring for those who need the extra moment to know someone is there, even in a hurry . . . just an ear to listen so we can share all our feelings around deep losses. That, my friends, is truly what this season is about, and is the reason why I felt the importance of just being there – because knowing that you are not alone is truly a Godsend.
So if you are like me and feel so very blessed in your life, make that extra effort to call a friend over the holidays, or even invite them for tea or cocoa. If someone has lost someone this year, it will mean even more so, As we know this time of year brings all those losses to the foreground. And don’t forget those that have loss their 4 legged companions as well. For many this is their family, and don’t ever think those losses are not equally devastating because they are.
It is always the little things in life that are the most precious, and you have no idea what a smile can do or helping someone across the street. It maybe the most loving act they have receive that day. Some where I read: Do unto others as you would want them to do to you.
Enjoy, take in those moments for it tis the season to be jolly and thankful.
