My seasonal message

[RB TexLa]

Regardless of what you choose to celebrate this time of year, if it has a religious aspect to it or not, whether you enjoy holidays or not, this time of the year has become a time for sharing and love. Family and friends gather, food is prepared, people think more about those who are less fortunate and many make donations to groups they don't always remember as much the rest of the year. For those of us in the Christian faith, love should be the overriding aspect of the season, of course I have yet to see a religion that doesn't promote love for humanity, nor have I met a person without faith in a deity that doesn't promote love for humanity.

This Christmas will be my 38th, and it will be the first without my mother. She was diagnosed with cancer in her liver around the middle of October. On the 29th of November she was admitted to the hospital for fluid build up and liver problems. She died a little after 3PM on Saturday the 2ed. I was able to spend Friday with her and we had a wonderful day. We were told on the 30th that the cancer had taken over most of her liver and there was no treatment for her. We were not given a time frame but fully expected to have some amount of time. The understanding that life is very precious was delivered to me in the most devastating manner.

It is this that I am thinking so much about this season, and wish for all others to remember. I never had to worry about political arguments at a holiday table, we have some republicans in the family but not the extreme right wing type. Family and friends are a gift, from whomever or whatever one wishes to believe they are from, and they should be cherished and enjoyed. Of course people will argue over politics, sports, the best way to prepare a turkey and all sorts of things, but we should all try our very best to keep these debatable issues from separating love. I do know there are people who do bad things, people of intolerance, and other faults. Sometimes another's actions or thoughts can be too much to overcome, and though some may be separated from family due to this there can still be thoughts of love and wishes for the estranged.

On the day my mother died she coded around 4:30 in the morning, as she lay dying, I prayed simply for her to have peace and calmness. My prayer was answered, as she went peacefully. That is my prayer for this season, for peace. Not just a peace in regards to fighting between countries and armed groups of people, but in the hearts of people. For people to see family, friends and humanity for all it's fullness and all it's shortness, to understand that love for one another no matter how large or small has it's rewards. A big hug for an aunt you haven't seen in a year, a handshake after discussing NAFTA, or Iraq, helping to unload someone's grocery cart at the checkout line, a nod of acknowledgment to someone passing on the street all bring about peace.

[Bluerthanblue]

1. you are so wise, and elequoent- thank you

for your beautiful post-
And for sharing your painfully gleaned wisdom-

May your kind wishes come back to you a thousand fold-

Peace and comfort to you as well-

blu

(pleased to recommend this post)

[RB TexLa]

5. Thanks so much

thoughts and word such as yours are very much a comfort.

[babylonsister]

2. Lovely sentiments, RGBolen. Simple,heartfelt, and something we

can all aspire to. Again, my condolences. :hug:

[RB TexLa]

6. Thank you

:) smiles are nice to come by.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. Bless you and your family

I think the reason there are so many festivals around this time of year is because of the growing darkness--and the return, albeit slowly, to the Light. Keep that in mind, and also that those we love never go away, as they remain in your heart.

Salaam---Shalom---Shanti--Pax

[RB TexLa]

7. Thanks

There have been so many friends of many differing beliefs telling me they are lighting candles and such in her memory, the symbolic light in the darkness is very nice and also has special meaning in my faith to me.

[havocmom]

4. I want greeting cards with Randi Rhodes' picture on the front

Message inside:

Happy Whatever, ye Bastids!

I am just too tired this year to be brilliantly thoughtful.

[RB TexLa]

8. I like

I hope everyone has a happy "whatever" :)