Christmas is a time when people rejoice and take comfort in their time off from work, school, and anything else going on in their lives. It is a time where people abandon their problems and enjoy the season’s holidays, sales, and food. It’s fair to say that Christmas time is a peaceful time… but not for everyone.

 

Not everyone is sitting with a hot cup of cocoa, cuddled up by a crackling fire, with a Lifetime holiday movie playing on their television. Nor are they happy, or are they at peace. While most people spend this time with family, thankful that they get to spend this time with them, some people are suffering the loss of a family member. Some people cannot abandon their problem.

 

It seems so unreal to lose someone during a time filled with love and laughter. Unfortunately, it happens to the best of us. One night, you could be living your best life and the next day, wake up to the most unexpected news-- just like I did. This morning, I woke up and went to work as usual, the day went like it was supposed to. Not a great day, not a bad day. It was pretty insignificant, until I got a call from my best friend. She was crying into the phone, unable to catch her breath. When she finally spoke up, her words shocked me. Our friend’s mother had died. A person we had just seen, so healthy and full of life, was dead. She would no longer be a part of this world. Her children will spend the rest of their lives with an incomplete family, her friends left with a hole in their hearts.

Christmas is a time where people can relax.. But not everyone. Sometimes, the season is just a reminder of what isn’t. What can’t be and what will never be true again. From this day forward, it’s good to remember and be thankful for what our lives have to offer, regardless of what time of the year it is...