Left Behind

Its that time of year again. That time when you can't find a parking spot, when you have to squeeze you're way past people in the aisle, and when the check-out line is an entire mile long. Oh yes, this is the season of 'happiness'.

I was raised in a home where, especially around Christmas time, we were taught to keep our focus on the real meaning of the season and make gifts and material items secondary. Being together as a family and celebrating what Christmas means was always at the top of my list.

I'm reminded even more this year how unimportant 'stuff' is. As I walk through Mom's closet I often pick up her favorite sweater and breathe in really deep to catch that comforting scent. I'll look through the many books on her shelves, treat her house plants like babies to avoid killing what she worked so hard NOT to kill, stare at her closet full of clothes and shoes.

This year it seems my ears are ringing with 'gimmie' and 'I HAVE to buy that!' and it has really hit home. One day we're all going to die (unless Jesus comes before then, and let me tell you....I am so looking forward to that day! I mean, Jesus and my Mom all in one day! What could be better than that?!), and when we do we leave behind all this stuff. While her sweater is comforting and provides me with a much needed cry quite often, it doesn't mean anything.

What matters is what Mom left behind in us, her kids, her family, her friends. 

I see so much of my Mom in my sister as she is raising her family. Sometimes I'll hear Jaime saying something to her kids and think, "Wow, that sounds just like something Mom would say!"

Whenever a decision needs to be made (or un-made :) )  I definitely see Mom in Wray. He has her strong and discerning spirit.

Her memories are important. Sometimes I just sit and reflect over the past 21 years; I try to soak all those memories even deeper into my heart, so I'll never forget them.

LifeNet Health, the organ donation company, has been so helpful to us. Every few weeks we'll receive a nice letter and 'grief aid' from them. Last week we received the Angel Catcher Journal. I've been working my way through some of it, and it has been such a huge help.

Here is part of a story from The Angel Catcher that gave me the inspiration for this post.

At first, after my brother died, I wanted to hang on to everything that he had ever owned or touched. One day, I found a dusty old back-pack in Dan's room. Rummaging through it, I discovered an ancient toothbrush buried under a pile of photographs and papers. I wanted to treasure it forever. I eventually forced myself to throw away the toothbrush and his battered comb because I realized that the person who had made them special to me is with me always---through my memories. ---Amy Eldon Turteltaub

Its the memories, and the things about that person that are special to us, not the amount of 'stuff' they owned. So I challenge you this Christmas to avoid getting caught up in the material side of the season, and concentrate on family. Being with your family is one of the most special gifts that you will ever receive!