I came home to a darling two year old who clung to me and patted my back while saying "My mommy! My mommy came back!" The tree was up, kids had already opened gifts from Nana and preparations for a Christmas Eve dinner where underway. Joy and laughter filled the house; kids have a way of helping you forget your cares, if only for a moment. After the kids went to bed it was time to stuff stockings and set out gifts.
The grief was still there; just hovering. There was no way that I could get into "the Christmas Spirit" but there is so much more than Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls to Christmas.... There is Jesus; there all along, through this whole week. He always has been, he always will be. This is what we are celebrating, His life, His death, His resurrection, His saving grace which is the greatest gift of all. Now that I can get into!
Christmas will feel very different this year. I'm thankful that I still have hope, that I still have reason to celebrate. God's gift of eternal life is why we are celebrating, this year it is so much clearer.
***On a funny note.... Last night when I got home Miss J announced "I helped Dad wrap your hair bows! Its a surprise though, so you don't know what it is!" and ran off on her merry way not realizing that she had just spilled the beans!***
Want to know more about my dad? You can check out his web site and this article published just this past week to see his art and learn a bit about him.
***On a funny note.... Last night when I got home Miss J announced "I helped Dad wrap your hair bows! Its a surprise though, so you don't know what it is!" and ran off on her merry way not realizing that she had just spilled the beans!***
Want to know more about my dad? You can check out his web site and this article published just this past week to see his art and learn a bit about him.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have been praying for you!!
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Heather
He was so young! How amazing that that article came out right then...his website, art, and everything you look at about him was full of life and motion--how could that be stilled in an instant?
ReplyDeleteI was just talking with my daughter yesterday about how amazing it is that she has 4 grandparents alive (all around 70) and that she met 5 great grandparents (one remains and he lives nearby...age 92!) I can't imagine losing my dad (he is Ken as well) but I'm trying to prepare for it by holding him tight whenever I see him, and thanking God that I see him often.
What a treasure all the art is for your children to enjoy as a legacy. I never met my dad's dad who died when he was young, but he was also an artist, inventor, and composer. I value the scraps of art we've got (moth-eaten and worn as they are) and have a framed original piece of his music over my piano. It's a representation of the man whose blood, music, and creativity now flows through my daughters by God's grace!
So glad we could enjoy the website and article about your father whose life will live on in your beautiful and creative children....and yes, praise God for eternal life! May you continue to heal day by day as you walk through this painful time.
With love and prayers,
Kim
Heather- Thank you for your prayers.
ReplyDeleteKim- Thank you for taking the time to check him out and to write such a kind, thoughtful, loving note! I have been so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful new friends in our new home town! Thank you!