So we are at another beginning of the holiday season. Time to be thankful for what we have. For those of us who have lost a child/children, it is sometimes very difficult to find anything to be thankful for. I mean, why are people always so happy during the holiday’s? Why do they assume we should be smiling and happy too? Don’t they know that our world fell apart? That we lost the most precious thing to us EVER? Can’t they see that on our face?

The answer is that most of the time they can’t. Either because they are the hostess at the restaurant your family wanted to eat at or the sales person at the mall that is just trying to make it through the holiday rush. Unfortunately, we don’t walk around with a sign around our neck stating that we have lost a child. This isn’t something that we advertise. So for those folks that are unknowing, I always try to just smile and wish them happiness. Truly, because they have no idea what depth of sadness a grieving parent lives.

The holiday’s for me will never be the same again. I have stated in several posts around this time of year each year that to decorate my house for the holiday’s is something that I didn’t know whether or not I would ever be ready for…ever again. I told my husband just this past weekend that maybe, just maybe this year we might put up a tree. He stated that he would like to wait until next year (he’s always looking for a bargain and wants to shop the after Christmas sales for a tree since we don’t have one now). So in some ways, this year may be little less sorrowful and a little more festive. All be it, I have never been “festive” like some.

Most people will enjoy their family traditions of a huge meal, huge family gathering (or maybe a small one), the after Thanksgiving Black Friday craziness, and just overall cheer for being together. Since our family is small, we will gather Thursday evening for a small dinner together grateful that we are all able to be there. Happy and healthy together.

Remember there are those around you who may be alone for this holiday and the days to come because of numerous reasons, think of them, maybe take them dinner or invite them to your table. Also, remember the first responders who, while your family is enjoy time together, they are policing the streets, clearing accidents, taking victims to emergency rooms, putting out fires at your neighbors, and totally missing being with their family to do it. The men and women of the armed forces who on this Thanksgiving day may be thousands of miles away from family on a base somewhere or may be deployed to some far off land where they are fighting for your ability to be sharing your meal tonight.

So from my family to yours, have a safe, happy, memorable Thanksgiving and remember as always to hug your family tight, tell them you love them, and always, always know that tomorrow is never given.