Last week I sat down to read some Christmas books to my grandson Andrew. He choose one of my favorites, "Polar Express". We snuggled on the sofa with our Christmas tree sparkling in front of us and holiday decor everywhere. I did not see the greeting from heaven coming when I turned to the inscription page and it read, "1993 Happy Birthday Grant, Love your friend Samuel Ford." I gasped when I read this page to myself as it took my breath away. Childhood friend, Samuel Ford passed away this past summer tragically as a young man in his late 20's. God brought him home on his appointed day. Our hearts have been grieving and remembering him along with his parents. My grandson didn't understand my tears and he craned his neck to look at me, his Nana, crying quietly. I was able to collect myself and read the book to Andrew but, I had forgotten who gave us that precious gift years ago! How wonderful to experience Samuel "waving" to us from heaven that day. It was as though he was saying, hello ya'all! Don't worry about me. I'm experiencing amazing things here in heaven. I was suddenly filled with great comfort and joy. I quickly took a picture on my phone and sent it to Samuel's parents, Jeff and Maria and our son Grant. The whole experience gave me goosebumps and I smiled with assurance knowing that was a special Christmas moment indeed. It touched me deeply and I pray it is a calming salve for my friends during this first holiday season without their precious boy.
So my word for the holidays this year is...
remember.
~ I will remember as I cook meals and use family recipes.
~ I will remember my loved ones who have passed and raise a glass to toast them.
~ I will remember the "reason for the season"- Jesus' birth.
~ I will remember to listen and love deeply.
~ I will remember to take time to hold the hand of a friend who is suffering loss this season.
~ I will remember to sing long & loud Christmas carols with friends in my car. (you know who you are!)
~ I will remember to give lavishly.
~ I will remember to be thankful, no matter what the circumstances may be.
Just last night friends gave us a Christmas ornament with her son's picture on it. I will treasure this special gift. Holidays have been difficult for them as they mourn the loss of their son. Nick was a close family friend who passed unexpectedly 3 days after my sister Cheryl succumbed to leukemia in 2013. I knew the healing that had to occur to prepare those ornaments and share them this year. The back of the ornament says"Sing all ye citizens of heaven above!" Yes! That is what he's doing this year with Cheryl and Samuel! All our deceased loved ones experience a different kind of Christmas then we are.
So I'm going to remember those we lost too soon and pray for hurting individuals & families this Christmas. May you find comfort and joy this season as I have.
