Please spare a thought this Christmas for those amongst us who have lost a member of their family or circle of friends in recent days in the lead up to this most festive time of the year. It seems to me to have been a very heavy end to the year with the number of those who have left us in recent months with the latest being the oldest son of a close friend in an accident. Sorry to post such a morbid one at this time of year but try to imagine what the parents and loved ones of the recently departed ones are going through when everything around them is a celebration
Christmas can be the most depressing time of year for those who are suffering pain of any type. In our joyous celebration, it is important that we think of others. Mostly they need a friend to listen and just be with. It's very difficult when you're mourning a loss or struggling to survive and everyone else seems to be partying and everywhere you turn it's Merry Christmas and you're finding nothing Merry or Happy at the time. One of the dilemma's is that we don't know what to say. Well, what we say isn't so important. It's just being with them and letting them know you're there for them and acknowledging their grief. There are no magical words, but you can relieve how alone they feel just for a little bit. The local soup kitchen serves four times it's normal people on Christmas Day. Think of the mothers and kids at battered women's shelters. The elderly in nursing homes or long term care with no visitors. The least expensive and most meaningful Christmas gift you can give is yourself.
Kiwi, Thanks for your insightful post. Six years ago on Christmas Eve, my father died. Even though it was expected, it still hit me hard. Our surviving members of the family drink a toast to his memory.
Today. We just lost the mother of my daughters' high school class mate and friend of 8 years, who could cope with her depression no longer. Just found out a few hours ago, the community is rallying in support for her twins who also lost their dad to cancer many years ago. I feel so down for Rachael and her children, it is a very helpless and sobering feeling. Puts a whole other perspective on what matters in family and life. In the future, I will try and reach out more to my neighbors, never know who is struggling during the Holidays and needs someone to talk to. God Bless..........
Not morbid at all. People's thoughts during the holidays often turn towards departed loved ones. Mine do. Lost my father couple days after Christmas a few years back. He introduced me to the ocean. We had our ups and downs. I find myself thinking of him more as I get older, as time goes by. Parents shouldn't have to bury their kids. Life's not supposed to work like that.
Sadly, life is like that. That is why we have to remember our loved ones and celebrate their (past) lives. Praise and enjoy our current times vertical. Many years ago, my folks and I buried my brother; Still in my dreams, we play. Always remember and they will never fade. God bless us all. Merry Christmas my friends. Ralph & Josie
Merry Christmas to all on Yacht Forums. Thanks to Carl and the moderators for another outstanding year on "board!".
Some folks dislike their in-laws. I am lucky enough to have & had really great ones. My Mother-in-Law passed away last year 12/13/14. Treated me like a son. She was a good egg. Merry Christmas everyone.
I was pretty down the day I posted this as it was the 6th anniversary of my own Mums passing - not that she knew who I or anyone else was for the last 3 yrs that I heard about my friends 25 yr old son passing away in an auto accident where he was the passenger. Its good to read the other posts.
I think this is the season to feel. We're at the orphanage today with the most incredible group of kids, warm your heart and soul. And, when you hear their stories you cry. You're so happy for them, but then you think of those not here, in the conditions they once suffered through. One family loses a father while another on the next floor of the hospital gains a baby. Some days it's hard to maintain the balance in our thoughts. However, part of human nature is that we need the bad for the good to even exist. You gather with family and friends and while you enjoy the company of those there, you think of those no longer with us. When any of these things no longer touch us, then we've ceased to be human. How sad it would be if we didn't empathize with our friends. I hope now you're able to think mostly of your mom nine and more years ago. All the good, the smiles, the hugs. I can't even imagine how difficult the final three years was. I know living like that terrifies me more than any form of death. Our mortality is a hard subject to even think about for most. However, the reminder of it is a reminder to make the most of every day. For Belle and myself, today is a day of feeling, where that part of us dominates. Where we let the emotions run rampant inside of us as we think of good and bad. There are some chilling emotions involved today, but ultimately it's a day for us filled with a warmth inside that we can't describe. The kids thank us for coming. We thank them for having us and not just allowing us to visit but allowing us to share their pain and their joy. Ultimately we're just thankful and there is no "of" or "for" following that. Just thankful.
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