I wish I could say this was mine, but I am not that good with words. I found this a few days ago on the "intheirfootsteps" facebook page, and it really resonated with me. As you may know, I lost my beloved Anne 15 months ago. Last Christmas was hard, but I had all my children and grandchildren come to the Highlands, as we had planned before Anne was suddenly taken. A hard Christmas, but with everything she would have wanted - trees, decorations (inside and out) - she LOVED Christmas. Lots of memories, tears and yes, some laughter, music and singing... always singing.
This year is so much harder. The children cant visit Scotland due to work restrictions, so I have come down to Cornwall to visit my elderly parents for probably the last Christmas with them. My sisters family are also here. Apart from my sister, the reaction is "aren't you better now?"!!!!!
So this verse/poem really hit me...........
People say things like “Christmas is what you make of it.”
They say “Focus on the good,”
“Keep the traditions,”
“Stay grateful.”
“Remember the good times”
They mean well.
They always do.
But here’s the truth—
Christmas is not what it used to be
Once you’ve lost the one who was the heart of it all.
You can pull out the same decorations.
You can try the same traditions.
But the feeling just isn’t the same.
This isn’t about being strong.
It’s not about being positive.
It’s not about “making the most of it.”
It’s about getting through a season
that now feels completely different
without the person who should be here for it.
So please don’t tell me to cheer up.
Don’t tell me to keep my spirits up.
Don’t tell me what this time of year should feel like.
Because until you’ve stood in a room full of people,
smiling, laughing, together,
and still felt completely, utterly alone,
you don’t really get how hard this is.
Walk with me if you want.
Sit in silence with me if you can.
Listen to my tears.
Offer me a hug – but don’t be surprised if I break.
Or just let me handle this the best way I know how.
@intheirfootsteps
