I’ve written before about complicated holidays and in this season of bells ringing, I’m remembering again that for many, this isn’t the most wonderful time of year. The holidays have been hard for me for awhile, she says, detangling my hair. I lost my best friend on Christmas five years ago. My hairstylist’s new assistant is only 23. Another friend of mine braces herself for the start of the season, which marks her son’s death and end of her marriage; a man I know walks through every holiday season honoring the passing of his mom; when I let myself pause, I remember December 2020, transitioning the toddler we thought we’d adopt out of our home just two weeks before Christmas.
Whatever this holiday season holds for you, I hope you feel seen and understood, enveloped by the true story of what it means to be human - a dance of joy and sorrow. For those of us who aren’t in acute grief now, I hope that this practice of reflecting on the time that once was moves us to make intentional space for those who are. And those who are, I hope you cling to those just ahead and catch glimpses of the light waiting. Isn’t this community, when we can look to one another and say yes, me too, friend.
To a weary world, rejoicing,
Pat
