Wednesday, December 28, 2011

'Tis the Season

 So,
Christmas, and the upcoming new year have been tougher than I'd expected. I'm not sure what I expected, but it was good, and I thin it sucked because it was good.

 Robin always loved Christmas, I think because she enjoyed giving things to others so much. She really loved it after we had kids. When we were poor(er) we always made it a point to get stuff for the kids, usually at the cost of something for each other.
 When we were doing better, we did the same thing. Her delight in giving rubbed off on me too. It's just something she enjoyed. Even towards the end, as sick as she was, she wanted me to load up a visa shopping card so she could buy me a present, and I wouldn't see the receipt.

 Just another in the long list of things we never got to do.

 But I focused on the kids this Christmas. I got them the things they asked for. Through the generosity of a lot of people I work with, presents from a mysterious Santa arrived at the house. So the Christmas for the kids was pretty big this year.

 We talked a lot about the real meanings of Christmas, and Christ's Sacrifice. We also talked a lot about feelings and enjoying the Holidays, even without Robin around.

 I've been focusing on trying to be patient with the kids. I don't know how I could possibly do it without my Mother-in-law. I feel bad that we are such a burden, but she has been a real blessing.

 The biggest change I've noticed in myself lately, is that I'm praying less. I start to, and then the feelings creep in. Bitterness, anger, sadness, disbelief, others. The feelings wash over me. Sometimes I yell. Usually I cry. Then it's over. I tried to pray, but didn't get very far.

 What I do find myself doing is talking to Robin. She doesn't answer, but I imagine her there, listening to me. I tell her about the things the kids did, I tell her about the things I did at work. I tell her about the things I want to accomplish.

 Then I feel like an ass. All we wanted to do was grow old together, and be those cute, in love old people.


 But you can't always get what you want. All you can do is move on. I think once the Holidays are over, it will be easier to deal with it again. It hurts now though.

 Soon it will be a new year though, and it can't come soon enough.

1 comment:

  1. Hi Aaron... you don't know me, I know CJ and Greg Hemsarth... I've been praying for you and for your family for a long time. I became especially attached to Robin and your family when I was diagnosed with BC in August. ...just felt the need to pop onto your blog comments today to let you know... that when you can't pray, know that others are praying for you. The more I know about prayer...the more I really don't understand it...but... I know that we can stand in the gap for one another.. I know that when we don't have the words, that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us...I've fallen in to some "LOW" times...and have been on the receiving end of so many prayers...offered by others on my behalf. I've felt the power of it! Our heavenly Father knows when we're in these earthly pits...and He, in the person of Jesus, understands and empathizes completely... why He allows us in to those placese?? I don't know, perhaps a combination of allowing our free will and the free will of others, perhaps it's because that's where He does some of His best "Kingdom Work" in us.. one thing I know.. is that while He allows us in to those places, HE DOESN'T LEAVE US THERE! I get the picture of Jesus as "GOOD SHEPHERD"...coming again and again for the sheep that has gotten too far from Him... or rescuing the one that's gotten him/herself tangled in some rotten bush!...

    When you're in that dark place, or tangled in that bush...and can't even THINK of praying.. know that you are still being lifted up before our God...with requests that He heal, comfort and guide you...and give you HIS peace..even during the stinkiest times! I have you and your family on my prayer list...and I WILL be praying for you!

    Paula

    ReplyDelete