The Holidays (Without the ones you love)

The Holiday Season is upon us once again. For many parents like myself the "Holidays" are mixed with sadness. For us, we have lost children to death or imprisonment. For some unfortunately "both." To lose a child suddenly either way is devastating. I lost my child to imprisonment seven years ago and it has been an uphill battle every since. Like the other parents, I make do during the rest of the year with just a few upsets along the way; but when the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year trilogy comes about... my heart remains heavy until it is all said and done. It's as if I am waiting to exhale those 62 plus days. Not to ruin the rest of the family Holiday, I go along with the motion. It's an overwhelming experience and it does not get any easier,because it's a loss of life; a waste. You look at families coming together and you wonder what could have been. You grieve. Although, my son is only in prison; he will not be the same. It's somewhat like bringing back the dead...they will not be as they where. It is said that if you bring back the dead, they will return as something dark; not human. Most whom leave those prison walls return as dysfunctional; not able to co-exist among society. When I visit my child in those prison walls, he's always smiling; but his eyes are dark and sad. I know he's full of sadness and remorse for his crime and what he's put the family through; but I also know the darkness in his eyes is from what he's had to endure all these years behind those walls. However, I'm not worried because my son was raised in the church and is no stranger to God. His childhood dream was to become a preacher one day and I know his time in prison is his testimony. We all fall short of the Glory of God and this was the way God spared his life; because he's needed for greater things. I may never celebrate another Holiday with my child and I have accepted that; but it is my prayer that he's released soon enough to celebrate with his sons while they are still young. We have them every weekend and Christmas; but it's sad to see them missing their dad especially this time of the year. Therefore, this is my "Holiday Wish" for all the families that are fortunate enough to have all of your children with you during this special time of the year: " Hold your children, let them know that you are their biggest fan and you love them." God Bless and Season's Greetings to you all.

PFP ©2009. All rights reserved.

When life hands you lemons; make lemonade. Anything stolen isn't as valuable as the things that are paid. Look, leap and love;but above all else give praise to the man above. Silence is golden, silence is kind; it's up to you to read between the lines. When you love, love hard; it's most cherished said, than with a card.

PFP. ©2009.