A different perspective on the holidays

I have to confess that this has been a difficult Christmas season for me.

Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of my father falling and fracturing his hip. He never regained his strength afterward and died 2 months later after a long and difficult effort on his part (and mine) to get well.

So this year, for the first time, I am virtually without any surviving family. My husband, of course... but as much as I love him, he didn't come around until I was older. We don't have children... something that seems to matter even more as I age. My grandparents, my mom, my dad, and my only sister are gone now.

There are extended family members - an uncle, two aunts, and some cousins - as well as 2 nieces and a nephew. But there is a 500 mile distance between them and us. And the younger generation have very busy lives.

For the first time in my life , this holiday season seems to have lost much of its sparkle. Nothing brings home the importance of family as much as its absence.

I'm not sharing this as a way to gain your sympathy. I'm sharing it to remind you... just in case you've forgotten... how important it is to treasure your family while they are here.

There's very little on earth more precious.

But if you, too, are missing a loved one this year, perhaps this poem by an unknown author will be of some comfort:

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 the 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 up 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 the pain inside 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.
was always most important
the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other,
my Father said to do.
I can't count the blessing 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