Death Takes A Holiday

Did you see that movie? In it, for a period of time, no one dies.  We would all be pleasantly relieved if death would take a holiday, especially during the season to be jolly. There is no good time to lose a loved one, but for it to happen during the holidays is especially hard. When we are wanting and expected to be joyful, loving and giving, it is most difficult to have to bury a loved one.  I lost a dear  uncle in the month of December a few years ago, and the feelings of grief overshadowed the holiday spirit.  It is not abnormal at such a time to have a lack of energy and to feel depressed, sad, numb and many more emotions that darken your days.  And this at a time when you had planned to shop, cook, wrap gifts, go to parties, travel, enjoy time off, and make a joyful noise.   Even if your loved one died earlier in the year or at any time in the past, getting through Christmas and New Years can present a challenge.  What to do? 1) Lean on your faith and religious beliefs, and trust God to see you through.  Ask your pastor, church family and friends for prayer.  2) Take care of yourself.  Do not try to accomplish all that you would have if the loss had not occurred or the feelings of grief had not resurfaced. Give gift cards, or a rain check and shop later, if at all. Ask family and friends to cook, decorate, clean, or do anything that will help.  You need to be on the receiving end now.  3) Give something in memory of your loved one. 4) Remember the good times and bask in them. 5) Join a grief support group. Call your local mortuary, church or hospital for a referral. 6) Allow yourself time to heal.  7) Find a song or poem that gives you comfort. Enjoy and share it.  When my Uncle Cliff died, Aunt Jessie shared the following poem with me.  I share it with any of you who can relate to the above, with hopes that it will comfort you as it did me. 

                          By Gail Valentine Taylor

My First Christmas In Heaven 

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below

With tiny lights, like Heaven’s stars reflecting on the snow. 

The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear,

For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. 

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,

But the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas Choir here. 

I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,

For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing. 

I know how much you miss me; I see pain in your heart.

But I am not so far away, we really aren’t apart. 

So be happy for me dear ones, you know I hold you dear.

And be glad I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. 

I sent you each a special gift from my heavenly home above.

I sent you each a memory of my undying love. 

After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.

It was always most important in the stories Jesus told. 

Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do.

For I can’t count the blessings or love He has for each of you. 

So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.

Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

                           Author Unknown