Special Post #4
One of my Christmas memories from the late 80’s was when I borrowed money from my Mom to buy her Christmas present. She talked about wanting this “North Pole Collection.” Not knowing what it was, I asked to borrow money and I went to buy it. At the time, I was still in elementary and all was right with the world.
As the years passed and time, unbeknownst to us, was flying by, we added a house or two a year. For as long as I can remember, that was my Christmas gift to Mom. Each house has memories associated with it. I could look at those houses and tell you the years we bought them and what happened during that Christmas season. I always adored those houses. The time I spent in front of those houses as a kid and stared in awe was probably mind-boggling. As an adult, I still look at those houses for hours and smile.
Last Friday (Nov. 2nd), I put them up….except it wasn’t in my parents house, it was at mine. You see…my Mom gave them to me, as she sold the house we grew up in a few months ago…just a few short weeks after Dad passed in late January.
Putting up those houses was one of the hardest things I have ever done.
The houses are all decorated, our tree is up, and some presents lay underneath. We have the stockings up, Christmas music is playing….holiday magic is beginning to show up everywhere…..and all the while I’m trying to figure out how to have Christmas….and how to feel about Christmas….without my Dad being here.
My Dad, like all of our Dad’s, was as large as life to me. I can see him sitting at the head of the table and I can hear him giving the blessing. I see him smiling at me while I opened a gift as a kid and, even more special, I can still see how happy he was to see his granddaughters open their gifts at Christmas.
Now, that chair is empty. The big laugh that filled up the entire room is gone…and we are all trying to figure out how to have Thanksgiving and Christmas without such an integral part of our family here with us.
Picking up those pieces hasn’t been easy. It isn’t supposed to be. Also, I know this situation isn’t unique. We all go through it. However, this situation is unique for me.
Here is my promise to my family, my Dad, and myself…on one side of this post are all of the times in my life up until now, where Dad has always been present at Christmas. I will fondly remember those times and honor those memories. On the other side of this post, this Christmas season and all of those in the future, will be full of new traditions, love, anticipation, and the amazing memories that I made with my father and those I get to make as a father. I will live, I will enjoy, and I will celebrate the Christmas season like I never have…with all the joy I can muster. Celebrating with joy and love in our heart is what we all want. There is no better way to carry on his legacy.
This Christmas season, take the time to jot down a note, send a card, shoot someone a text….and tell them how much you love them. Make sharing your appreciation for others and your passion for our season a gift you give. It isn’t a responsibility, but our spirit that we all have by being here year round and constantly celebrating is something that can lift others….when they need it the most.
For those of us who find ourself in a tough spot during this holiday season, be brave enough to acknowledge it. There is nothing wrong with being sad. If you believe like I do, our loved ones are celebrating in a place that is far better than where we are, they are smiling on us, and they can’t wait to be with us, again. While we might have tough times here….smile for them….because there are no bad days in Heaven…and everyday is Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Dad...
and Merry Christmas to you, friends.
Coach
And so it comes to this...two days until the season.....
