Today is my parent’s 55th wedding anniversary. It continues to be a bittersweet comfort missing 2 of the people I love the most. However, I feel so blessed to know and still feel so reassured that Mama & Daddy are together. What a gift to them AND to me. Most days I am in awe and thankful for God’s creativity in writing their love story. I allow myself to miss them and grieve them, talk about them and to them, BUT I also celebrate and revel in the blessing that is their togetherness. I can’t imagine a more beautiful way for them to be together. I know it’s a gift from God to be able to see this as a good & perfect gift.
In this season of giving and gifting . . . . I am able to rest in the promise of His Good & Perfect Gift. I do love consistency. I do love traditions. I do love making memories. Yet I am so aware and even a little anxious knowing that this Christmas won’t look or feel the same as in the past. Mama & Daddy never . . . NEVER missed Christmas Brunch at our house. It will feel and look very different not having them join us at the table. We are pressing on and into our Christmas Brunch tradition with our kiddos and grandparents. Just like it wouldn’t be the same Christmas without Christmas Eve services . . . . It also won’t be the same without Mama & Daddy . . . . Granny & Poppy joining us around the table. Even though things change, even though things won’t be the same, (because they really never are), Jesus doesn’t change . . . . Ever. We are also creating new memories and traditions and I’ll be expectant to welcome new joys with these new changes this season as He makes all things new.
I continue to talk to Mama every day and Daddy too sometimes. Mostly on my way to work because that was our routine. I dream about 1 or both of them most every night. I pray for God to continue to show me sweet glimpses of the twinkle in Daddy’s eyes when he smiles and Mama’s signature Shirley smirk. I don’t think that time heals, I don’t think this will get easier, and I don’t think I’ll miss them less as time moves on BUT I do know there is always something to be thankful for, there is always good news to share, and love is always the right answer. I will always be grateful for Mama & Daddy for showing me that all of they’re earthly days.
Happy Anniversary Mama & Daddy and Merry Christmas too! (Just writing this, a warm, smile swept across my face “seeing” Daddy’s eyes smile as he sings Christmas Carols)
