While listening to the radio, an old Christmas song came on and I suddenly found myself focusing on the familiar words, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Hmm…is it really? Oh, I’m not being a Scrooge. I remember feeling that way. Just not today. Not this year. Sure, I know it can be the happiest time of year but for many it can also be one of the saddest and most stressful times. For those who have lost a loved one this season brings about a myriad of emotions. We may reflect on Christmases past, while thinking about the ones we will no longer be able to share together. For our family this is the first Christmas when our daughter (sister/cousin/niece/friend) will be in heaven.
While we continue walking this grief journey, there is a void in our hearts that Melanie’s absence has left behind. There is nothing and no one that can fill this empty space. We will miss her presence, and the sound of her laughter. We will miss how she used to like to “play Santa” and hand out the presents to everyone. The real reason she liked doing this is because she could count how many gifts she and her brother received. Lord help us if it wasn’t an even amount! 😊 Leading up to this week we have reminisced about the Christmases we did have together, sharing laughter in the midst of our tears.
What I have found to be so true is that we can experience great sorrow and joy at the same time.
As we get ready to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I would like to share with you a message I received from a very dear friend. One of the questions I’ve been asking myself is, “What will Melanie be doing in heaven on Christmas? What will it be like for her?” Little did my friend know what was stirring in my heart when I received this message last week, but our Heavenly Father knew, and He provided me with what I call a beautiful Godwink.
May this bring you some comfort and touch your heart as deeply as it did mine.
From Melanie’s perspective ♥️
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-
’cause you know, I’m spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year!
I’m hearing all the Christmas songs-
They’re ringing loud and clear,
But the earthly music can’t compare
With the Christmas choir up here
I have no words to tell you
The joy these voices bring,
For it is beyond description
To hear an angel sing!
I can’t tell you of the splendor
Or the peace here in this place;
Can you just imagine Christmas
With our Savior, face to face?
I’ll ask Him to lift your spirit
As I tell Him of your love,
And you pray for one another
As you lift your eyes above.
Please let your hearts be joyful,
And let your spirit sing,
For I am spending Christmas in heaven,
And I’m walking with the King.
Beautiful my friend❤️😘
Love hugs and merry Christmas❤️🎄
Oh come let us adore Him! I can’t help but picture the millions upon millions of souls in heaven and on earth sing His praises. The beauty of that worship must completely overtake heaven in a beautiful glistening cloud. When we sing here on earth we join Melanie and millions in heaven beholding His face and wrapped in His love.
Thank you for sharing that lovely poem with me, my dear friend. We all have someone we are missing this holiday season. Please know you are also in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️
“Thank you” just doesn’t cover it ♥️
Oops! It posted before I was finished. My gratitude for your prayers cannot be expressed in two words. The sacrifice of one to pray for another is precious and priceless. You have my heartfelt gratitude always ♥️
❤️❤️❤️
❤☃️🌲❤☃️🌲❤
You are such a thoughtful writer. What Christmas must be for you this year is unimaginable, but God gave you the tools and fortitude…and it shows. Your resilience, and openness sets great examples for those of us who undoubtedly have tough Christmas to come. Your writing touches my heart and I am so sorry you have this burden to carry, but you do it with grace and unflinching love for God.
You are squarely in our hearts this season.
Big hug to you, Cameron, and Fred.
Thank you so much for your caring and kind words. ❤️
So very beautiful! Melanie will always be in our hearts❤️
Yes she will. ❤️
This is also my first Christmas without my oldest. Christmas Day is also my youngest’s birthday. I knew it would be hard for my family but, never knew it would be this painful.
I’ll be thinking of you this Christmas.
Aimee, you have been in my thoughts and prayers. These are such early days in your grief journey. Be kind and gentle to yourself. Christmas is also my birthday 😉… I’m sure your youngest will understand. Sending you a big hug and prayers of peace and comfort that only He can provide. 💜🙏
What a beautiful letter from Melanie’s perspective as she smiles at us here on earth this Christmas. Than you for sharing it Pat. I am certain it brings comfort to all grieving parents who may read it. The tree ornament of Melanie is precious, her big smile and sparkling eyes – this must bring many memories to mind of days past. I am so sorry for your pain and this burden you bear. Through it all you are reaching out and giving to others. Your reflections are special gifts to others on their grief journey. Hoping that Christmas will be full of love and peace as you, Fred, and Cameron share the day together. Blessings and Love, Jean