When Christmas Hurts
Originally written December 2007
Lately, I can hardly get thru a day without tears at some point.
They come unannounced and more often than not, unwelcomed.
While at the Hallmark store Monday evening, picking out a birthday card for our son, Patrick, I stood there reading the cards with tears streaming down my face. Anyone who knows me, knows I do this when reading sappy cards, but I couldnt stop.
I know I was thinking of my Mom since this was the first Christmas after she died.
As I stood there, reading, a man standing next to me, who obviously noticed the wet cheeks, said not a word, but placed his hand on my arm and gave it a squeeze…….it was, without doubt, a generous, kind gesture, completely unexpected. I looked at him and tried to speak, but couldnt. It didnt matter for he seemed to know what I wanted to say and he smiled at me, patted my arm again and walked away. I stood there thinking of how many times we push and shove our way thru life, not paying attention to others and certainly not caring if someone might be in pain.
I was in pain that December and all the love in the world from people who mattered didnt seem to matter as much as this complete stranger and his kindness.
Whoever, wherever you are……thank you.