Remembering Lost Loved Ones at the Holidays

It is never easy losing a loved one.  It has been three years now since we lost my dad, Robert Dutcher, to cancer.  I don't think it ever really gets easier, we just learn to cope with things differently.  My family copes by reminiscing.  We talk about Dad and tell funny stories.  We celebrate the time we had together.  There will always be a void when you lose someone, but rejoice the moments you have.

We had our family get together yesterday at my mom's house.  We were laughing, opening presents, and really enjoying one another.  It was time to open our stockings and their was a sweet silence.  My mom had given each of us a memorial ornament of my dad.  It reads:

"God saw him getting tired,
a cure not meant to be,
so He wrapped His arms around him,
and whispered, 'Come with Me'."

We all paused and shared some teary glances, then smiled because Dad was with us at Christmas.  Thank you, Mom, for the special gift.  Love you.