THE LAST CHRISTMAS

2020 was THE LAST CHRISTMAS we all spent together. The meal-- Chinese food, and of course you ordered your favorite--Sesame Chicken.

No one naturally thinks, this is the last time I will see my child alive with all of us together. But suddenly, when I least expected it, such dreadful news was delivered to me. How or why is irrelevant. It happened. That's enough to spin you in a circle and cause dizziness for a lifetime. Coping and dealing with living past your child is unacceptable to me. But somehow, I am forced to accept it. Part of me believed I'll see you, or you'll call me, or somehow that it isn't true. Even seeing is unbelievable.

To any parents grieving the loss of a child, my prayers and thoughts go out to you. You are not alone. It's a feeling no one can understand unless you've been there.

To the parents going through some things, my prayers are for you. It's not easy but, take your children and wrap your arms around them. Hold them and kiss them and tell them how much you love them. No matter how "bad" they have been, no matter how much they cut up, no matter how disobedient they might have been, show them nothing but love. Let them know, "Yes, you hurt me when you do, x, y, and z. I just want the best for you, because I love you so much."

To the parents that are thinking, I couldn't get them all they wanted this year, give them love, hugs and kisses. That's what they really need.

Trust me, none of the material things can go with those we have lost. Those who transition don't think, oh I need to buy one more thing first before I go. Research shows that most people who have had a NDE (near death experience) are embraced with love, because that is all they really needed. That is all they were searching for in the first place. Some wanted to go back to see their family so they could love them like never before. And grievers don't think, I should have bought them that toy they wanted. The only thing we think about is did I love them enough, did I hug them enough, did I kiss them enough, did I say I love you enough. That's the only thing that truly matters in this life. So, live today with the family you love and hug them and love them as if it will be

THE LAST CHRISTMAS.

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS: