I can’t believe it’s already Christmas Eve. Where has December gone? It’s been a full month of festive fun and memory making. I have been working on some other writing projects lately, so I haven’t been on the blog much. I miss this space and miss sharing the good, the bad and the ugly of this beautiful, mysterious thing we call life.
Tomorrow will the the third Christmas without my sweet mom. So much has changed in my life since she passed away. Every day I miss her and wish she was here on earth with us. I catch myself daily wanting to text and call or send cute photos of the boys.
But through all the tragedy, I’ve learned how to truly be grateful. Gratitude was something that once escaped me. I read quotes that said, “Be grateful for what you have.” or “Gratitude changes everything.” Yet, I still had trouble truly feeling thankful and not wishing or hoping life was different.
Now after losing my mom and going through a divorce, I know I will never have the type of “happy life” where all the pieces fit perfectly in place. And I’m okay with that because it allows me to be fully grateful for the life I have and the people in it. My story is much different than most other women I know, but it’s my story, so I must own and honor it with everything in me.
As the boys and I set out cookies for Santa tonight and read The Night Before Christmas, my heart will be full. And in the morning when we light the white Advent candle and enjoy presents and stockings, my heart will be full. And as the boys go with their dad tomorrow and I spend several days without them, my heart will be still be full.
I love this time of year. There’s truly something magical in the air. No matter how much changes or life evolves, the holiday season will alway be special to me. Merry Christmas to you and yours! May it be the best one yet.