The memories of Christmas Past are a mix of good, happy memories, and testing, trying times. The house is full of decorations, lights all over, and the centerpiece– the tree – decked out in its full glory. Our Hope for this Christmas season often combines our memories of Christmases past, our expectation for this Christmas, and a wish for Christmases to come.
Our Christmas longing may contain a wish, a desire, to see loved ones again, especially in this year, 2020, with pandemic restrictions on gatherings. For many, this longing may contain a memory of those who have passed away, whom we dearly miss. For some of the many, there is the shocking memory of those who have passed away from substance overdose. Our longing to see them, to be with them, may at times overshadow our need and desire to be with family and friends who are still with us.
Our son, Mark, passed away on June 1st, 2019, and we miss him. This is our second Christmas without him, and it is no easier than Christmas 2019. We miss his cooking, his laugh, his smile, his joyful interaction with his sister, his brothers, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Our longing is to see him again, more so than any other family or friend who has passed before, as he was a part of us.
Our faith reassures us when we next see our loved ones, and especially our son Mark, it will be a most joyful reunion; and every day, every month, every year will be a continual, never ending Christmas!
