And just like that, Christmas day is over. It seems that every year we think the same thing, “Is it really Christmas already?”. It’s something we generally look forward to for weeks or months, then it finally comes and woosh it’s already over. I guess like other special events, the anticipation is also part of the celebration. Yes, ours was a bit different this year. There were definitely times when the remembrance of our loss of Hannah was obvious and unavoidable. We made some Christmas ornaments and bookmarks for family members to keep in remembrance of her. We also gave each family member something special that was hers to keep as a personal memento. Over the past few weeks, we have sorted through her earthly possessions and kept things that we felt were special between her and us. We shared things with family and close friends. Things that would be of interest to them and be practical reminders of their relationship with her. Some things we donated to thrift stores. These were things, such as clothing, that we really couldn’t keep, but also did not want to see other people wearing or using because they would be too much of a personal reminder of losing Hannah.
Yes, this was a rabbit trail, but I guess that the reason that I mention things like these is because in some way I would like those reading to be able to understand the “full scope” of these things. It’s easy for those who have never “been there” to really not understand what all goes into this type of loss. Maybe it’s a help for them to “see” the day-to-day thoughts, struggles, work, and emotions that go into this. We are just “normal” people, this was never a serious thought two months ago, and as much as we avoid thoughts of loss such as this, yet maybe it is good for us to “consider the cost” occasionally. This doesn’t end with a funeral, it’s a life altering event. We will not be the same, but in some ways maybe that is a good thing. Don’t take today for granted. Don’t take others for granted. Don’t procrastinate on getting things right with someone else. Take advantage of each day you are given because no one knows how many more opportunities we may have. It’s sad but true that those with whom we have the most in common are the ones that drive us crazy, and often times those from whom we distance ourselves the most. In the context of all being part of the same “body”, Ephesians 4:26-27 admonishes us to, “not let the sun go down on our anger (towards others),” because it gives the devil a foothold, or position of leverage in our lives. In Matthew 5:24 Jesus tells us to not bother worshiping God until we have our relationships right with others first.
On the way home last night, we were followed by an ambulance, with its lights on, that turned into someone’s driveway. Lord willing everything turned out ok, but it was another reminder of the brevity of life. For someone just a few miles away, a special family day was at risk of ending in tragedy. With our loss we empathize more with these things. Let’s live a life of love and giving, just as Jesus, who’s birth we are celebrating did. With his “eye on the cross” He lived the life of a servant, always putting others first. Love puts others first.
We are blessed.
Hannah Helps 