Saturday's Sayings
Christmas in Heaven
"GIFTS FROM ABOVE"
They came from different places, they came from different homes.
These gifts of children from above, that we claimed as our own.
These precious gifts were given with love from God above
Because He thought us worthy to care for these gifts with love.
These priceless gifts were welcomed by parents around the world,
Celebrating the joys they brought, these tiny boys and girls.
It amazes us and gives us pause that we were chosen to receive
These cherished gifts from above - what an honor we believe.
We wonder why our gifts could not stay.
Could it be they were much too loved?
These precious gifts of our children
- Loved, missed and remembered -
These precious gifts from above.
They left us much too soon, we think.
And we continue to question, “Why?”
It does not seem fair to us,
That our children had to die.
We are left with empty arms and shattered dreams;
Grief and pain now fill our lives.
Our homes that once were filled with laughter
Now harbor our anguished cries.
When finally we emerge from the quicksand of fresh raw grief,
We start to search for reasons left to live so we can find relief.
We long to hear from others like us with hearts that understand...
Then someone may tell us of a place where people meet called
The Compassionate Friends.
There we find a group of people like us joined by the bond of grief and love.
Where we can share together about our children,
These precious "Gifts From Above".
~ by Faye McCord, TCF Co-Chapter Leader, Jackson, MS ~
In love and dedication to all parents who have lost their precious gifts from above
And in loving memory of my son, Lane McCord (1/16/65 - 9/13/98)
~shared by Jayne Raines Newton, of The Compassionate Friends of Atlanta
~~~~~
~I Miss Those Close To Me Who Are Now In Heaven As Beautiful Angels
Christmas Without You
How very much you're missed
I think you somehow know,
For, I feel you beside me
No matter where I go.
To be reminded of you
I don't have to go that far,
For, every night I see your face
In every shining star.
As every moment passes by
Now that Christmas time is here,
I'll be thinking of the joy we shared
At this special time of year.
~~~~~
~I Miss Those Close To Me Who Are Now In Heaven As Beautiful Angels
The holidays can present a whole new dimension of stress for anyone, but particularly for bereaved parents. The "shoulds" can create burdens that we just don't need: how we think we should be feeling, what we should do, who we should spend time with, which events we should attend, how others think we should be acting and believing life should just not be the way it is now.
Release as many "shoulds" as you can - just let them go, then decide which "shoulds" need to be managed & dealt with - do not let the shoulds become an additional burden.
Take comfort in memories and the spirit and love of your child and try to honor his/her life in any way that brings you any measure of peace during the holiday season.
Yes, easier said than done, but I'm trying!
In memory of my son James....
~Meg Avery of The Compassionate Friends of Atlanta
~grieving mother, Judy Russell Altier via Waves of Gratitude
Found on Facebook today:
One of the best Christmas messages I have ever received from another bereaved parent:
“…we are changed forever, and not unlike Scrooge,
we are forced to recognize the true meaning of Christmas.
It’s sharing your gifts, not purchasing gifts;
It’s not wrapping presents, it’s being present
and wrapping your arms around the ones you love;
It’s not getting Christmas cards out on time,
it’s sending any card, anytime, at the right time;
It’s not having the biggest and best Christmas light display;
it’s displaying the best light that comes from your heart;
Turn on your heartlight this holiday season…”
by Mitch Carmody, Kelly & Meagan’s dad and author of Letters to my Son
~shared by grieving mother, Meg Avery of The Compassionate Friends of Atlanta
~Mama Bear Graphics
~~~~~
~grieving mother, Darlene Thomas who shared Stacey Monica Hart's photo
~I Miss Those Close To Me Who Are Now In Heaven As Beautiful Angels
Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air;
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say;
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"This is heaven," declared a small boy.
"We're spending Christmas at God's house."
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their Savior...
The children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring;
those children all flew into the arms of their King,
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
And as if He could read all the questions she had,
He gently whispered to her,
"I'll take care of mom and dad."
Then He looked down on earth, the world far below;
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe.
Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"May this country be delivered from the hands of fools;
I'm taking back My nation. I'm taking back My schools!"
Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"Come now my children, let me show you around."
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran,
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."
written by Cameo Smith of Mt. Wolf, PA.
~~~~~
~grieving mother Jill Compton via Mama Bear Graphics
~~~~~
~I Miss Those Close To Me Who Are Now In Heaven As Beautiful Angels
~~~~~
~I Miss Those Close To Me Who Are Now In Heaven As Beautiful Angels
Picture at top of post, thanks to ~I Miss Those Close To Me Who Are Now In Heaven As Beautiful Angels
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