In the waning days of 2017, it is important to celebrate LIFE.
When I say that it’s been a tough year, tears begin. It was an absolutely awful year because we lost so many . . .
suddenly,
and without that last farewell.
Black holes of despair.
My godfather, my godson (nephew) and his wife, my brother, my mother-in-law, and now another cousin’s spouse.
And, YET,
Life continues.
We celebrate our memories, we laugh at the stories, and we remember with our shattered hearts. We pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and celebrate every precious moment. We don’t know how long we have, so we celebrate the life we live. The events: concerts, football, basketball, wrestling . . . The food. The locations.
We bring our memories with us. We wallow in out love. We share. We cry. We laugh. We love. We live.
I’m sharing a poem from a memorial service last week.
Easy? Heck, no!
But necessary? Yes!
Choose to celebrate their Love!
Choose to celebrate their Lives!
Choose to celebrate your LIFE!
And anticipate that 2018 will be a year of LIFE like no other! 🙂
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It’s been a year of loss, for sure, Fran. Your family has been hard hit, and I have so much admiration for the way you’ve always managed to hold on to what matters – family, and the joy and comfort within that circle. Here’s to a better 2018.
Thanks, Tara. Looking forward to 2018!
I celebrate your spirit, Fran. You are a guiding light in troubled times. I am so glad to know you. Much love to you this holiday. And to life.
Thanks, Julieanne. Love and life are important. Hope your family is well and together soon!
Your strength and resolve to celebrate life are serving you and those you love so well Fran. Take care of yourself.
Thanks, Lisa. Continuing to celebrate the future and the best of the past is helpful! Happy Holidays to you and your family as well!
We aren’t in touch very much, Fran. I’m sorry for your losses this year. No matter the good memories, it is still sad and hard some days. Wishing some peaceful moments with your family this coming holiday and some good laughter over fun memories.
Thanks, Linda. The inevitability of the roller coaster days is hard to adjust to when some little word/thought/comment can flip from one to the other. Laughter is definitely a great solution! 🙂
This is a tough time of year. We feel the pain of loss so much more. I attended a funeral of a friend yesterday and found hope in the words said about her and the hugs from other friends there. Your wisdom to choose to celebrate and live life helps all of us see the light.
Margaret,
The holidays do seem tough. So sorry about your friend but also so glad that you visited her. So important to focus on our present time and how we choose to use it!!!
I’m sorry for your loss; but, this is the perfect post for me as I lost my mother Thanksgiving week. Thank you for sharing this beautiful poem.
Mary,
I hope you find some comfort in the poem. So many “firsts” without our loved ones make it hard, but clinging to the “wonders, the beauty, and the bests” can ease some of our earthly pain. Take care!
And I am ready to celebrate life. There is too much sadness in this world but there is indeed hope, Fran! Thanks for sharing.
Hope and Love – our greatest assets! You are welcome, Carol. Thanks for stopping by, reading, and commenting!
I am sorry for your loss. Four years ago before Christmas my mom lost her sister. The next year her brother. The sorrow is always there. The sweet memories too. Celebrating Life together with you.
Thanks so much! So much to celebrate through the tears and the laughter. Always a balance!
Fran, this poem really resonates with me as I will be spending my first Christmas without my beautiful mother. Thanks for the reminder that we need to remember to celebrate life… my three beautiful daughters and wonderful wife, my father, my community. I wish you a wonderful holiday season, Fran.
Lanny,
I was also thinking of you when I added the poem. So many of us that need to remember, and yet, celebrate the joy, wisdom and extraordinary times with our loved ones!
Christmas started last weekend . . . YAY!
Fran, you’re so very thoughtful. Thank you.