Normally, we look forward to Christmastime. Isn’t it fun to catch up with loved ones you haven’t seen in a while? We expect things to be unchanged from how they’ve always been—same childhood home, same favorite foods, same neighborhood sites, same parents.
But sometimes those familiar places and people from the past aren’t the same. Sometimes they’re not there at all. And suddenly Happy Holidays seems more like Help Me Through the Holidays!
My dad was a big part of my life growing up. He was the kind who “never met a stranger”—always engaging others in laughter and conversation from the moment they met. Always making us smile and laugh until we were crying. Always ready to help those less fortunate. Always being the best dad I could ever want.
But the day came in 2007 when my hero-dad died.
I’ll never forget my first visit “back home” after his death. With every sound of a car driving by, I raced to the window thinking I’d see Dad driving in from work. But of course, it wasn’t him; he was gone.
Last week I was visiting my mom “back home.” Even though it’s now nine years later, I still think of the chair at the end of the dining table as Dad’s place. The rocking chair in the living room is still Dad’s chair. The car in the garage is Dad’s car. Another Christmas season will go by without hearing my Dad’s “Ho! Ho! Ho!” And the list of things missed about Dad goes on and on.
But how thankful I am to have had the best dad in the world! What an inspiration he was as he modeled the Christian life in front of me so many years. What an example he set for me in finding a husband who loved me as much as Dad loved my mom for over 50 years. What a fun-loving person he was to still bring a smile and laughter with each memory of him. I still miss him greatly!
Reality is hard when death and loss are involved. But God brings us comfort and hope for the future. Psalm 46:1 reminds us that, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” We can count on the Lord to help us during these dark days of grief. Another great Bible verse is from John 16:33 which says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
If you’re struggling with loss during this holiday season, consider coming alongside others who are in the same place. Journey Through Grief is a support group that meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:15-8:00 at The Babb Center. Click here to find out how to join the group.