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A Christmas Without...
- Dec 26, 2008 at 10:17 AM
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- Comments (17) Total Views (294) Everyone can see this journal post.
In all honesty, I have no idea what category to put this post in to. It can fit in to a few.
As many of us sat with our families and friends last night to share in the joy, the spirit, and for some of us, the reason for Christmas, there were many more that didn't have that one friend or family member there. There was an empty seat somewhere in MILLIONS of households this holiday season.
Just as it was hard on the children, it was just as hard, if not a bit more difficult for the adults as well.
It could have been that a loved one was fighting in the war. Or a child just lost a parent to a disease. Or any other number of factors as to why that special someone wasn't sitting down for the feast or opening presents yesterday.
We all need to really be thankful for who and what we have within our individual lives. Some have sacrificed being here with us this year, to keep their country and those that they are serving safe and free.
Some we will never see again at the table. Maybe they had made the ultimate sacrifice and will never return home. Or they had fallen gravely ill, only to pass before they could have one last Christmas meal with their family.
There are many parents within America that had to force a "slapped" smile on their face, as to keep the holiday as happy and merry as they could for their children. Because, this may have been the first holiday season without their mother, their father, or even a sibling or grandparent.
To those reading this and are having a "first holiday season without...", I am sorry for your loss, whether it be temporary or permanent.
It does get easier as time marches on. But, it will NEVER be the same again. I can attest to this myself. My mom died in 1989, when I was 12 years old. And that first Christmas season was the crappiest I have ever known or had gone through.
So, remember those of you that were lucky enough to have everyone that you love and endear, to be thankful. Because some of us are not as lucky.
Tags: child, children, christmas, cooking, death, dinner, eat, family, food, friends, grandparent, holiday, illness, kid, life, loss, love, parent, sad, time with family, war
Comments:
great post missy.we miss dans mom alot!
Thanks ladies! I ♥ you both as well. It struck me this morning. And when it did, I just had to jot this down. It truly saddens me to know that Uncle Larry had to miss his first Christmas this year.
He will be gone a year in just a few days. So, it is really difficult right now for the SEVEN sisters he left behind....Out of a family of NINE. The other brother has been gone for over ten years now.
Thank you...so very true!!
Oh Missy - I'm so sorry. I still vividly remember the first Christmas w/out my brother back in 1984. I was 7. It was hell. And I have a friend - actually my best friends wife - they got married Aug. 28. He left for Iraq right after labor day, and then her father died suddenly (only 57 years old) and a few weeks later, her grandfather died. She has been through more than anyone should in the past 3 months, and was worried about how she'd make the day happy for her son. Is it okay if I copy your post and email it to her? April
Thanks for this Missy. This Christmas was VERY sad without my sister. We all tried to pretend everything was okay, but the fact is that it'll never be the same again.
IhartU It is never the same. Family celebrations missing a family member is never the same. I am sorry you were missing your sister yesterday......HUGS.....
So true, we all have a hole in our hearts for someone we love and miss. It's good to have a big family to embrace when even the holidays can bring on some sadness.
I am glad that I have been able to help those of you that needed this, and that your "voice" was heard. And I hope that I have helped those that don't really know, to understand what it is like for those of us that do.
Thanks to all of you for sharing and for your support.
You're absolutely right. Getting through that first holiday without is torture. And it will never be the same again. But time does make it a little easier. And eventually you can enjoy the time with the family you still have.
My heart goes out to the CM women who are going throug that first holiday without this year. I know how bad it hurts. But I also know time will make it easier
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You wrote what I was feeling.......Excellent post, Missy.