FOR THOSE GRIEVING A LOSSTHIS CHRISTMAS SEASON

I know this time of the year can be so very painful for many, especially those grieving the loss of someone they love. A few years ago, not long after the death of a family friend, I received this poem in an email. It really spoke to me and has been very special to me ever since. Now, each Christmas Season, I always try to pass it along to those I know have recently lost a loved one. I hope by sharing it here, too, it will give a sense of peace and hope to at least one person who is hurting this Christmas Season.

'My First Christmas In Heaven'

I see the countless Christmas trees
around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars,
reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular!
Please wipe away the tear,
For I am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear,
But the sounds of music can't compare
with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you,
the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description,
to hear the angels sing.

I can't tell you of the splendor,
or the peace here in this place.
Can you just imagine Christmas,
with our Savior, face to face?

I'll ask Him to light your spirit,
as I tell Him of your love;
Then pray for one another,
As you lift your eyes above.

Please let your heart be joyful,
and let your spirit sing.
For I'm spending Christmas in Heaven
And I'm walking with The King!

I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away,
We really aren't apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones,
you know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift,
from my Heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory
of my undying love.

After all, 'love' is a gift
more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important
in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other,
as my Father said to do.
For I can't count the blessings
Or the love He has for you.

So have a Merry Christmas and
Wipe away that tear.
Remember, I am spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year!

~ Author Unknown

May the Love of Christ be a blessing to each
of you during this Christmas Season.

In Him,

Teresa <><

OUR RECENT LOSS ~KEANU~

As some of you may know, while I was in the hospital this last time, our sweet dog, Keanu, died. It was a very sudden and unexpected loss. It was especially hard to deal with since I was so very sick at the time AND it happened when I was not home to be with him.

Although he was already 13 years old, Keanu had been completely healthy and had seemed fine until he started to limp slightly and favor his front left paw. Even then, he was eating well, playful and overall still a happy little dog. Then, after a trip to the Vet - at which time they had only suspected arthritis and then went ahead and gave him his yearly immunizations - he started to go down hill really fast. He was dead within a week. We don’t know what happened for sure, but you can be sure we won’t be using Banfield for our pets in the future.

Keanu was a purebred Pomeranian and came into our lives in 1998, at the age of 2, from a family friend. I absolutely, positively did not want a dog, especially a house dog, at the time!! I fought hard against both my husband and my children, but I was outnumbered so I lost. Once he was here, guess who the silly dog liked best? You guessed it, me! Everywhere I went, he did, too. It drove me absolutely crazy. I did not like him and I did not want to look at him or be around him. He still continued to follow me. If I went to the kitchen, he followed me and sat right there and watched me. If I went to the bathroom and shut the door, he would act just like a two-year-old who sits outside the door and puts his hand under it while waiting on you to hurry up and come out. If I went somewhere he couldn’t get to, he would whine and ‘cry’ until I was back in his field of vision. He even went into mourning when I went on a week long mission trip in 2006. Literally. It was so crazy!

Needless to say, it wasn’t long until he won me over and I fell in love with him, too. He was my constant companion from that point on. I miss him badly and there is an empty place in my heart because he’s gone.

When I used to work at the doctor’s office, I always thought that people who got SO desperate and upset over their pets dying (and sometimes even called needing an excuse for a day(s) off work) were a bit off their rocker. Well, now I understand that grief so very much better. It is very hard!

Good Bye, Keanu.

We love you and we will always miss you!