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Our Christmas Tree 

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Mementos upon the branches

of our Christmas tree

 ones from our newlywed days

given to you and me

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Then came the years of waiting

for more stockings to be hung

those barren nights of weeping

until God gave us a son

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Soon our son would have a brother

and a sister joined him too

memories all so precious

showcasing what God can do.

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Wendy ❀ 2014

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Our daughter, Kara, loves decorating the house for Christmas.

She did most of the tree decorating.

I got distracted and started taking pictures of the ornaments.

(She didn’t complain, since it allowed her free creative reign.)

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Kara told me she likes our decorations

because they evoke cozy memories.

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Each year I tell her the story behind many of the decorations.

She reminds me of the stories behind the more recent additions.

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The day after putting the tree up,

our three teens sat together at the dining room table

building our family’s version of gingerbread houses.

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I marveled at how well they were getting along.

They were sincerely enjoying each others company.

I joined them and made a house too.

We laughed, chatted, and munched together.

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For the first twelve Christmases of our marriage

Ian and I were without children.

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Grief is not only experienced by parents who’ve lost a child;

it’s also experienced by couples who’ve lost the child of their dreams. 

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I never want to forget what it’s like to wait, hope, hurt, and grieve.

Yes, we have a full quiver now.

But may I always remember to show empathy

and compassion

when someone else is grieving.

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Rejoice with those who rejoice;

mourn with those who mourn.

Romans 12:15

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What are you rejoicing over this Christmas?

Gentle hugs if you mourning the loss of someone special. xo

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 Christmas Blessings ~ Wendy ❀

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