I’ve just opened my laptop after what seems like a lifetime. Flickering hopefully on the screen was the first few lines of my pre-Christmas blog. Eerily enough, I was due to talk about the fact that Christmas is not always a great time of year.
Many of the young adults that I work with do not look forward to time at home. At best it can be a source of stress or, in some cases; prolonged exposure to emotional and physical abuse.
I must admit it raised a smile when I read the beginnings of what would describe my Christmas this year… not all it’s cracked up to be.
We knew this year was going to be different but in a good way. For the first time in 10 years I was not going to be hosting Christmas! I was excited to be staying with my Dad and Step Mum and being thoroughly spoiled. This happened and thank goodness, as it provided a flicker of happiness in a very dark time.
You see, my husband’s mum, my mother-in-law; died quite suddenly on 14th December this year.
There it is, said in one sentence but an event which shook our World at a time when families unite. It seemed like whilst the whole World hurriedly prepared for parties, presents and holidays, we were talking to funeral directors and choosing coffins.
So, Christmas has mostly been something to “get through” this year.
But, get through it we did, and here we are, ready to face a new year and a new time for our family.
We’ve had to dig deep and find the laughs where we could. Oddly, there were many of them and we are beginning to define our new normal.
So, my message is particularly personal this time. I want you to spend a minute or two thinking about what is most important to you. Then, give thanks for it and appreciate it. We are all loved in some way, make sure you know how you are loved and be aware of your own ripple effect too.
Much love to you all and a Happy 2019 from me.
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