I think I need help.
Usually I can count on my grandkids to help me get excited, or at least
"wrapped up" in looking forward to the holidays, unfortunately, this year
two of the grandkids are going to need help. My four year old grandson
and ten year old granddaughter lost their paternal grandfather last Sunday
morning. The four year old really does not understand what is going on,
although he was upset that "Papaw" was going to be buried "in the ground",
he still does not understand. Our granddaughter is crushed. It is so hard to see
the pain on her beautiful little face and the tears, that is really tough. My heart
aches for the two of them as well as my son-in-law and the rest of his family.
There really is nothing one can say that will help at such a time. I've been
through the loss of loved ones and I know people mean well and want so
desperately to help, to somehow take a little bit of the pain away. Words can't
do it. Only time and the love of others will help lessen the pain. The only
thing I can tell my grandchildren when they ask me "WHY?" did Papaw have
to die, or when they say "I just can't believe I'll never see him again", is to
remind them that he is always with them and that they always carry him
in their hearts.
My beloved paternal grandfather passed over 25 years ago last Monday.
So I understand that Christmas will never again be quite the same for
those who lost their loved one(s) this season. We tell ourselves "life goes on",
and it does of course, as is God's will. Through love, and yes, loss of loved
ones, we grow and even gain strength. Life changes and it changes us, this
we can be sure of. We feel the pain of loss, our own and that of our loved ones.
Through this we can gain strength and sense of purpose, and maybe, if we
pay really close attention to the lessons God has for us, we learn something
new about ourselves and what we are made of. So, keep your eyes, ears, and
heart open to the lessons, even the ones that are at first a little painful!
So to sum up my Christmas post, because I probably won't get the chance to
post again till after Christmas, MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS, however
you celebrate the season I hope it's a good one. Even if you are having a little
trouble getting in the groove...just try to "LIVE, LOVE and LAUGH!!!". Things will
get better.
