An Unchosen Group

There are times when we become members of a group we would rather not join.   It happened to me some sixty-five years ago when my father died six days before Christmas.  While I did not realize it at the moment, future celebrations of Christmas would always be somewhat diminished by the memory of this loss.  Of course, the passing of so many years plus a family of my own puts some of the glitter and joy back into the season, but it is still a loss that is deep in my memory.  Wounds may heal, but some leave scars that are worn through a lifetime.    

Many around us are members of this group.  We know the grief and loss of some, but the struggle of others is unknown to us.  There is nothing we can do to change the reality with which these folks live.  We can, however, live with them with a sensitivity to their pain that enables us to pray for them and to remember with them instead of avoiding what might seem to be a painful conversation.  Whether we mention the loss to those struggling or not, it does not change the reality of their remembrance.    

Remembering with them may seem more painful than helpful, but to know that the one lost to this life is being remembered not only brings some comfort to the mourner, but also can be a way of celebrating the life that can never be forgotten.  There are many gifts which can be given during this season.  Some may be brightly wrapped.  And some may be prayers to the Father God for comfort and words that speak the name and bring to mind memories that are made ever so precious by the tears and broken heart of those who have lost a love as important as life itself.