I write this reluctantly, because it may come off a little grim, especially this time of year.  But it’s specifically because this is such a beautiful time of year; the joy of giving, a time to celebrate, the parties, the lights, the festive attire, the food, family traditions and gathering with friends, that the sting goes deep for those who are suffering loss of any kind.  Many of you relate, and many are those you are celebrating with.

Of course, unless we all wear a sign stating why there is a hole in our heart, no one would know the gaping sinkhole your heart has fallen into.  I remember making the difficult effort to do some shopping and running errands during the season after my daughter had passed in October.  I wanted to be home in bed, angry that life goes on for everyone else.  

But I had made the decision I would live, and walk through each day the best I could, however, that does not lessen the pain.  

I was in traffic one day and a guy laid on his horn, shot me an obscene gesture while he was obviously screaming at the top of his lungs.  I had no idea what I’d done but I burst into tears.  It felt like having a sunburn and someone slaps you on the back.

I remember being at the grocery store and as I reached for something on the shelf, a man bumped right into me nearly knocking me down and moved right along as if I wasn’t there.  If he’d looked at me he would have seen the sudden tears that I was constantly fighting to push back.

No, not everyone has not lost a child or close loved one, but everyone is suffering the collateral damage of living, and their heart needs tender care.  

They could be missing someone no matter how many years has passed; worried about someone; brokenhearted their marriage has crumbled or is crumbling; they can’t pay the rent; they or someone they love has received a diagnosis.  

We are all fighting for peace – in a time for peace on earth good will to men.  We are surrounded every day with wounded, exhausted, heart-ravaged people.  And yet the pain goes deeper as we all seem oblivious.

Let’s pay attention and open our hearts to the people we encounter throughout the day, because no matter the location, their demeanor, the smile they manage to show you, most are suffering loss.

• The loss of a loved one
• Someone in the middle of a divorce
• Someone who just lost their job
• Someone whose spouse is deployed
• A teenager wanting to end their life
• A loved one battling addiction
• A single mom who can’t feed her kids, much less have a Christmas Tree with gifts under it
• A kid being bullied at school or adult being bullied by a family member or at work

It’s up to me and to you to look more deeply at everyone around us because many are hanging by a thread, and the tiniest kindness or gesture indicating I see you, can be that thread.

I see you,

Ruthie

Just a heads up to let you know I will be hosting an upcoming retreat in the Spring designed around igniting a vibrant future after loss of any kind.  Stay in touch for exciting details.  

It would be such an honor for you to become a part of this community determined to live a beautiful life no matter what.  I have a free gift for you here.

Come join me on facebook.