Whether by distance or death, misunderstandings or personal choice, some family gatherings are missing loved ones. Past holiday gatherings may have unearthed long buried grievances. So you simply drew the boundary and don't speak to one another.
Being confined in one house with friends and family we don't see eye to eye with may bring out the worst behavior. So we keep our visits short or not at all.
Distance may have separated you from loved ones that was not your choice. A new job, school, bad weather preventing you from reaching home or fighting a war on the other side of the world.
And the ultimate separation of death makes the holidays hard to celebrate. You are in survival mode. Navigating disappointing, toxic relationships can be exhausting. Sorry I am starting out on a sour note.
The good news was in a gift I received from one of my children. A puzzle charm with the words family, truth, joy, kindness, courage, love, loyalty, humor, and hope. They are so thoughtful in their gifting.
When I think back on some disappointing gatherings and strained relationships, then I hear my adult child's words, "You are the missing piece, Mom". It blesses me beyond measure and encourages me to think on the positive celebrations from the past...as recent as yesterday.
God bless you as you dwell on the kindness, courage, love, loyalty, humor and hope that surrounds your gatherings.
Surrounded by grace!
This hits home. Well sad Nancy!
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