Christmas Looks Very Different For Me This Year

(My Mom and Dad at a Phoenix Coyotes game in February)

Christmas looks very different for me this year. For the first time in my 40 years on earth, my Mom won't be at sitting near the Christmas tree nor will she be busy in the kitchen preparing Christmas dinner.
My Mom (Lil) died of a brain tumour in July. She was taken away from us in just 6 short weeks when she was first diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. It would be easy to try to shield myself and my family away from the emotional pain by trying to ignore it, instead replacing the loss with laughter and the gifts that will be enjoyed by our kids and nephew and niece at Christmas. And while their will be lots of that, I thought it would be special for my family to gather around my Mom's grave site Christmas day and read this poem.

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 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. I cannot tell you of the splendor or the peace inside this place. Can you imagine Christmas with our Savior, face to face?

I will ask him to light your spirit as I tell him of your love. So then pray for one another as you lift your eyes above. 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 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.

For all of you who have lost a significant person in your life recently, I sympathize greatly with you, especially at this time of the year.
I want to wish the readers of this blog a Merry Christmas, and remind you to love the ones you're with this holiday season. I would have never believed it had you told me that Christmas 2007 would be the last I'd spend with my Mom. Count your blessings, and take it from me, it can all be taken away in a flash.