But having Christmas arrive less than six weeks after our tremendous loss has been strange. It's confusing to have such deep sorrow during a time that typically brings such happiness.
When I look at the beautiful ornaments that hang on the tree in William's honor, I am filled with joy and pain. I feel joy because he lived. I feel pain because he lives no longer.
His stocking hangs above the fireplace. We will fill it each year with items to donate to a child in need. The thought of this new tradition brings me happiness. William will never reach into his stocking on Christmas morning. The realization of this loss brings me intense sadness.
In the midst of my grief, I strive to remember why we celebrate Christmas. With gratitude, I reflect on the gift of Jesus and how His birth, death, and resurrection has made it possible for us to spend eternity in Heaven.
Today, my husband and I visited the cemetery for the first time since William's burial. On the way there, we stopped and bought two small plants to place on his grave. As we picked them out, I choked back tears. Instead of buying presents for our son, we were preparing to visit his grave.
Later, we wept as we knelt together in front of the temporary marker that bears his name. I ran my fingers across each letter. My heart ached.
As I looked around the cemetery, I noticed countless graves with wreaths or other Christmas items placed on them. I realized that people come to the cemetery at Christmas as a way to honor their loved ones...to remember them.
We will now do the same. We know William resides in Heaven, but visiting his grave is a way for us to say, We remember you. We miss you. We love you.
As we drove home, we listened to Christmas music. Away in a Manger played softly on the radio as I looked out the window. I listened to the familiar words with a new perspective...
Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray
Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray
Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there
I've been mostly offline, so sorry for the delay. I think of you guys and pray for you often.
ReplyDeleteIsn't isn't it strange how SO many things take on new meaning now that our little ones are gone? I guess it's good... This is a lovely post, and blog. I found you via the BLM Bloggers page on Facebook.
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