Christmas upon us and already gone, I’ve been thinking of so many things. Christmas didn’t really feel like Christmas this year. I’m not sure why, but my mind was all over the place. My mom would say “it’s the full moon”, and she’d be somewhat correct. But also, life just seems to be spinning and spinning, zipping here and there, and going nowhere, but going fast.
Most of us have lost loved ones. Christmas is tough when you’re thinking about the ones you’ve lost. Being a person of faith certainly does get me through a lot of “tough” times. I won’t pretend it always works, but it sure does help.
A practice I adopted when my brother left us in 2000 (at the age of 16) was to celebrate the life he shared with us, the memories, the laughs, the experiences, the Christmas mornings, the inside jokes. As he “chose” to leave us it was incredibly difficult to try to see past that one action of his to all the good times that came prior. But… maybe this can be a conversation for another day.
What I mostly want to say is that I do pray that all of you will have a smooth beginning to a New Year and may we all get through it unscathed. That’s asking a lot, I suppose, but I’ll pray for it anyway. I had so much I wanted to say but I don’t have much time on the laptop today. Just tossing out a speedy note.
I also want to say Thank You to each and every one of you, as I learn so much just hopping onto Substack for a few minutes each day. You all are keeping me in a constant state of learning and curiosity… and laughs! As for myself, I do hope to actually have the time to post this year, but in the meantime, I’ll soak up what I can from y’all. Each of you are appreciated—the time and commitment you put in is a wonder to me, and each word a gift. Thank you.
What an uplifting post, thank you, and I always appreciate your kind and thoughtful commentary.
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. This time of year does bring up those good/bad memories, and I know a little of how you feel. I lost my younger brother several years ago; he was born on Christmas Day. I was writing down some thoughts of him this morning. I will say a prayer for you and your family as that sort of pain never really goes away.
Happy nearly New Year, I hope you have an excellent start to 2024!
👏