The sunset was so vibrant. The sky was painted pink, and the sun like an orange, shone along the edge of the plains in invitation to the celebration beyond sunset...as if heaven was right there - on the other side of the horizon.
So close.
If only it was that easy to drive to the edge of time to see you.
It was so beautiful.
To think you are living in the midst of perfect beauty is amazing.
You know I've been listening to Christmas carols.
Something we always enjoyed - even in the middle of July.
I can imagine you singing with all of heaven in the presence of the King we adore.
I know my limited imagination doesn't even touch on how wonderful it is.
There was this Christmas song on the radio about the time of the sunset.
I'd never heard it before, and the lyrics were so - us.
It touched my heart.
It was our song...our family.
It made me smile, and cry.
I'll share some of the lyrics -
"Come gather round the table, in the spirit of family and friends.
And we'll all join hands and remember this moment, til the season comes round again."
We all remember and cherish the moment - the time we shared last Christmas
when you were home.
Gathered round the table, laughing and talking and playing games, and eating.
Joining hands in prayer and thanksgiving for being together again, for the gift of Christmas.
It was epic.
Oh, and these lines - I know how much you loved taking pictures (smile.)
"Let's all smile for the picture, And we'll hold it as long as we can.
May it carry us through, should we ever get lonely til the season comes round again."
Yes, that smiley Christmas picture from last year is priceless.
Oh, the memories of Christmas with you.
All those pictures - I treasure them all, you know.
Remember the Santa hats, and all the times of trying to get us all in the picture
while the timer was ticking away on the camera.
I see last year's picture everyday (it's saved on my phone you know.)
It carries me through when I get lonely for your smile.
Ah, til the season comes round again.
I like these lines -
"One night, holy and bright, Shining with love from our hearts.
By a warm fire, let's lift our heads high and be thankful we're here
Til this time next year."
Last Christmas was holy and bright - I know the Lord blessed our time together.
It was such a wonderful time.
You've always kept the fire going - yes, in the fireplace, and in our hearts, too.
It was so special having you home - one more Christmas.
I never took our Christmases for granted...ever.
The most joyous time of the year.
Playing games, visiting and laughing and staying up late, snacking and feasting...
Christmas Eve services, reading the Christmas story and praying as a family.
All those moments live in my heart.
I'm so glad for every single moment we shared together.
Oh my dear son, I didn't know we wouldn't have time together this year as the song states, and yet
I know -
We will always have Christmas.
We will have Christmas together- even if we are apart.
We are together in Christ, in the spirit of his love.
Nothing can ever take that away.
We just didn't know we would have to wait for a season in the future to be together again -
beyond this life.
My dear son,
it is so hard not to have you here with us.
I long for your hug, your presence, your smile and laughter.
Yet, we know - you are in the best place of all.
You are celebrating Christmas everyday,
till we are together again.
I so anticipate that season
when we can all hold hands as a family, and laugh and smile together again...
and hug, and praise Jesus in person.
Till then-
sweet son of mine, know that we will make the best of the time we have here, like you did.
We will look forward to the new year - it brings us that much closer to being with you and Jesus.
Evidently, we still have work to do here (smile.)
So, we will live our lives to the fullest - like you did.
We will carry you with us in our hearts, remembering your witty wisdom, and tremendous example of a life well-lived.
Till then-
we will cherish the moment in time we had together with you, when we all held hands and laughed and loved.
When we get together this year as a family, I know you will be with us in spirit, in our hearts, and
on that night,
holy and bright, shining with love from our hearts,
by a warm fire,
we will lift our heads high and we will think of you -
We will pray and be thankful for Christmas, for Christ our Messiah.
and that you blessed us all so much while you were here.
We will rejoice because you live beyond this life, and you are here in our hearts -
And that one day,
one very fine day,
we will be together.
I can't wait!
Till then-
Til the season we're together again -
Merry Christmas my son.
I love you forever,
Mom
Here is the song-
Listen to this short but touching song.
Yes, we will all be together again.
