My First Christmas In Heaven…

My First Christmas in Heaven… Author Unknown but how very true and inspiring

As we enter the holiday season, we here at Mayes Ward-Dobbins are thinking of those families that we have served who might be experiencing something a little different this year.  Gathering during the holidays with family after losing a loved one will be hard for many people as often times this will bring back memories of your loved one.  There will be a missing person at the table, there may be a different home to gather in, the ham might not be prepared the same way and there will probably be that “thing” that person always did during this time of the year that may not happen.  As hard as it will be we hope that you will embrace those memories, share your stories and create a tribute that will honor your loved one for many holiday’s to come.

Many of our families will create a tribute space for that person when we all gather with our family.  Maybe this means placing a flower at their normal seat at the dinner table, placing a candle and picture on the mantle by the stockings, playing the tribute dvd from the service… many ways we can create a tribute to honor that person and use this space to invite others to share those memories and be there as a comfort to the surviving family members.  One of the hardest things that our families encounter during these times is when family members try to overlook the obvious and not talk about that person, hoping to not stir up emotions.  While the intentions are honorable… many surviving family members see this as their loved one being forgotten and it sinks in as a deep pain.  Do not be afraid to stir those emotions with great memories and stories… embracing the memories are a big step in our grieving process and will help us cope with the loss… it may not be quick but overtime this will prove to be a great step in the healing process.

To our families served through Mayes Ward-Dobbins:

Suffering the loss of a parent, a spouse or even a child will be one of the hardest things that we all might face one day.  The holiday’s are meant to be cheerful and spent with our family as we celebrate our beliefs in the season that we are in.  Do not loose hope in the holiday’s and all the cheer that it brings… the time will come with our mended hearts that we can use our memories to create new traditions that will pay honor and respect to that person for many years.  From my family to yours… we hope you see a light through the darkness and that you have a safe and very Merry Christmas this year.  We are always here if you have any questions or need some advice in the days ahead.