Get me through December
The holidays are an especially difficult time of year since my divorce several years ago. I was hoping things would get easier, but they have not. They are a painful reminder that the family that I once had I have no longer, and my sons are the ones who bear the worst of it.
They should have had a mom and dad to come home to, now they have two families each living in different states (their mom in Tennessee; me in Louisiana). Even though they are older and on their own, it's still the same, at least from my vantage point. Things weren't supposed to work out like this, yet they did.
That is not to lament the changes have that come. I'm happily remarried as is their mom. At any other time of year it's not a problem. But, this time of year, it's another matter. It's a poignant reminder that life throws curve balls and often brings that which is unexpected.
This year is made even worse by the fact that this Thanksgiving even my immediate family won't all be together. Those of us who can will find ourselves at my mom's bedside at a hospital in a town an hour and a half from her home. She had knee replacement surgery there last week and is recuperating, undergoing therapy. My brother's son, Nathan, has the flu so they won't be able to join us. Other circumstances prevent my sons, Alan and Jonathan, from joining us as well.
Needless to say, this is not exactly going to be a Hallmark Thanksgiving. Maybe, hopefully, Christmas will be better.
I know I should have a better attitude about this. After all, there is much still to be thankful for. At least we still have each other, even if in a disconnected, many miles apart sort of way.
Still, I'm not looking forward to the holidays. They're too painful. And I'm not the only one who thinks so. For many people this is decidedly NOT "the most wonderful time of the year."
So, here's a song that helps me get through. Maybe it will help you as well: http://iLike.com/s/B3hL
And here's a prayer for those who hurt...
"Touch those who may be suffering;
Touch every wounded heart,
Touch all those burdened souls
When they feel distant, set apart.
"Remove the pain, and fill their hearts
with happiness and mirth,
And let them all rejoice now
in The Savior's holy birth."
Lord, just get us through December would you. Just get us through December.
