Originated by MaryT, check hers for today.
Ever had this empty feeling?
Was this all?
Months of buying, organizing, decorating.
Puff,- over!
We do celebrate. We go to church. We eat Mom's luxurious dinner. Before the dessert Dad had the lead.As had his father before him. Even after his brain hemorrhage, the honor was his to read Luke 2:1-14.
A child is us given, a son is us born.
Never was his place emptier than last Christmas Eve.How rich he has made us.
25 comments:
Felisol, my grandfather always read the Luke passages each Christmas Eve. After he died, my dad continued the tradition.
It's hard to lose a loved one. I know I miss my mom, especially at this time of year.
Being far away from my dad, I don't get to hear him read the story but everyone usually phones me during that evening.
Oh, I always feel that about Xmas, even though we've never really celebrated it in a big way. No overindulging in food or presents or decorations, or self-imposed stress. It's lovely to keep it low key and one of the best Xmas I've had was on Madeira, where the celebrations were of a more pleasant kind than the comercialized, blown out of proportions thing we tend to see here in Sweden.
When we lose someone close and dear to us, however painful it is, one has to treasure how blessed we were to have known them at all. Easier said than done perhaps...
Dear Debbie,
The difficult thing about love, is the inevitable loss.
We got four Christmases after my dad's brain hemorrhage, each was a gift and we all knew it.
This Christmas we get to celebrate together again, in spite of my Mom had a rather severre stroke last January.
We have put most of the old stress and must do's aside.
The great gift we're giving each other, is being together.
My brother reading the gospel.
It is a shame one has to get that old and that beaten until the message at least is understood.
I am grateful we got the chance.
From Felisol
Tradition is so important at Christmas. There is always time for celebrating as usual, but to take time to understand the true reason of this season: God gave us his son, the most wonderful gift. And so sad about your dad's passing that leaves a void...It is different with our parents gone at Christmas, and how we who are parents now still wish they could celebrate with us once more.
This is a moving tribute to your Dad, how important he was and is to your and your family.
Dear Pia K,
Every year I tell myself I'll keep focused on the essence of Christmas.
The carousel seems to be going bananas once I'm on. Presents, cookies, decorating, letters, washing,even polishing Silver and copper.
I have no record of the Christmas Eve's I've sat like a punctured balloon after the gifts have been unpacked.
No, nay, never, no more.
Dear Ralph,
you are right. It becomes so painfully clear that a place is empty when we gather for celebrations.
Then again, I was blessed having my father for 87 years.
I'm afraid I still miss his voice, his humor, his concern.
I still shed some tears when I'm alone.
Because I was blessed it is harder to let go.
From felisol
Dear jan,
words are emptty, but you can see he was a lovely man, can't you? From Felisol
I lost my own dad in 2000, and I well remember the first Christmas after.
But Felisol, your dad is not gone. I can see and hear him in your words. In that way, you will keep him forever.
this is a sweet way to remember your dad. keep celebrating your time with your family...the great memories will stay with you forever.
Felisol,
Holidays can be painful when we remember someone we have lost. Your father must have been very special indeed! I think he would like you to feel the joy of the season rather than the pain. ;-)
The anticipation is always somehow more riveting than the actual experience.
The togetherness is far more important.
You must have many loving memories - embrace them and hold them steadfastly in your heart.
It is indeed a beautiful tribute to your Dad and I have no doubt he was reading it over your shoulder as you wrote it. Thank you for sharing a lovely story with us on this Ruby Tuesday, it is a memorable one.
Hi, Mojo,
You are right. My Dad has influenced me in many ore ways than I am aware of.
I cherish him above all people I know.
Hi, Luna Miranda,
I try to go in his footpath, then I know my course is steady. I must admit I take some sidestep now and then. Ouch.
Dear EG,
but I also feel joy. I try to focus more on the people and less on the stash.
I decorate with my hundred nisses, I sing, I buy presents...and I'm going home for Christmas.
Of course I do.
Hi Carletta,
I try to do that. Keep the good memories in my heart.
Staying close to the ones I love.
From Felisol
Hi, Sylvia K,
soothingly spoken.
I often think her's here in some way.
Always in my memories.
For the rest I hope he has found in the Heavenly choir and are rehearsal with Handel on the great Hallelujah.
From Felisol
Your Dad was such a saint of God to be remembered fondly.
My Dad also read the scriptures at family prayeers.
Have a good day.
Hugs
Dear Amrita,
you kind of knew him.
He was just what you say.
He will not be forgotten by any who knew him.
From Felisol
In my family it is not the use. We just sing a carol in front of the tree !
Hi Gattina,
An early bird, you too?
Every country has its own traditions and like to follow them.
The Norwegians walk around the tree holding hands, singing carols and more playful Christmas songs.
Even when lightening the city Christmas tree young and old are walking and singing together, accompanied by a band from Salvation Army.
From Felisol
Dearest Felisol,
How rich Dad Ljung has made you and how rich his daughter and her precious Gunnar and Princess Serina and Mom Ljung have made US!..Love Terry
Dear Terry,
so sweet of you to say so.
You, who have enriched three continents.
Hope you are well, and hopefully soon sound asleep.
Give my best to Dad Golden & co.
From Felisol
A wonderful memorial to your Dad! Happy Ruby Tuesday!
the warmth coming from that photo of your Grandfather reading is so apparent
hugs and blessings to you and your family
Prayers and best wishes are sent to you and your family. God bless you. Judith
Hello to teach Mary,
always nice seeing you. I still cannot imagine how you are coping with this huge Ruby Tuesday project. But you do, and you do it so well.
Hi, Dianne,
Thanks for nice words. They sure brightens the day.
Hi, Judith
from Salvation Army.
So nice meeting you.
Hope we can keep in touch.
From Felisol
What a beautiful post. How blessed you are with such rich and loving memories.
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