Bittersweet December

I remember it like it was yesterday – my dad shaking me awake at about 2:30 AM to tell me my mom had surrendered to the cancer that had riddled her body for the past three years.

It changed Decembers forever.  And I hate that.

December was our month.  We loved Christmas.  She and I spent hours theming out our tree each year, baking together, planning Christmas parties, and wrapping gifts.

The days between Thanksgiving and December 15th have been melancholy for me ever since.

I don’t write or talk about my mom much – but I miss her – even 25 years later.  And there are probably people in your life who are hanging their lights and painting on their smiles who still rally with grief every year during the holidays.  Remember them.  Encourage them.

If you, like me, have experienced grief – remember:  All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.   -2 Corinthians 1.3-5

Thanks, Mom, for always knowing my potential.  I pray I’ve lived it well.