Love, Loss, and Laughter
This is my first Christmas without my dad. All around the world keeps turning, and we keep turning with it … and yet I still have these moments where I stop and think, “How does life keep going even after such a loss?” I have learned that the answer lies in love. And in memories and stories, and yes, laughter.
If you have been through a tough loss this year, please accept my sympathy and condolences. I am understanding that every step of this journey has a new lesson to learn; a new perspective to see.
At Thanksgiving, we found comfort in making my dad’s famous chip dip and remembering the times he did goofy things, like sticking cranberries to his forehead or starting a food fight. (And there was the time he was in charge of cooking the turkey but never put the oven on!) This Christmas break I will be remembering my dad by going through old, old photo albums and I’m sure there will be some impersonating his occasionally-Grinchy comments with my sisters.
I understand now that these days will continue to be hard, but I can also see that they will also bring us joy—even if we are crying and laughing at the same time. I guess that is the thing about loss, isn’t it? It is layers of emotions and also the gratitude for the good times, the lessons, the unconditional love, and the promise that we’ll see each other again in Heaven.
Even as the world keeps turning and life keeps going, I am reminded that it’s OK to stop—take a breath and a pause, too. Because of that, I’m going to be taking a month off from work to spend with family. For as proud as my dad was of my studio and accomplishments, I think he would be even more proud of me for taking time to truly be present with family and to reflect on God’s grace over the most beautiful, and difficult, moments of the last year.
Thank you for being on this journey with me, friends. Wishing you a beautiful new year!
Love,
Misty
