Wounded Holidays
by Alan Harris
(for the Compassionate Friends)

Young, they left our homes--
in a moment, long or quick,
they were gone.

Dewdrops turned into teardrops,
the shining sea too small
to hold our grief.

"Give us our children back," we pled
as we noticed their plateless places
at the table.

Regret made a river through our days,
tempering laughter,
pervading sudden silences.

Bodies they had through us, with us--
bodies housing minds and souls--
no longer.

The holiday season's return
makes throb now the wounds
we felt at their parting,

wounds which may heal
in time, we hope,
into strength--

but not yet, in this season
of snowflakes that sting and cookies
that somehow taste of vinegar.

"If only," goes our carol.
If only they could return to us--
but no.

If only
we could speak with them--
but no.

If only we could love them
so intensely that they could
feel our presence right now--

but yes, yes to this one,
a thousand yesses--
they can.

How can they not feel our love,
being core in core with us,
heart in heart?

We give love this season to them and
to each other as plundered parents
and wounded healers.

With love flowing, something in our lives--
a magnificent, mysterious Something--
guides us like a star.

~The Empty Chair~


This year when Christmas boughs are draped,
And cards around the doorway taped,
And cookies baked, and green wreaths hung.
And carols in the crisp night sung;
This Christmas cannot be as fair
For in our home, there's an empty chair....
Dear God in Heaven, bless with peace
We feel that Christmas joy has ceased,
For we still grieve and cannot bear
The stillness of that empty chair.
Instill in us a second sight
To see in death a lasting light
Which reassures that though she died
She now kneels before the manger side
To celebrate the blessed birth
More grandly than she could on earth.
And may the visions of your care
Bring hope enough to fill that chair
So Christmas carols may be sung
And Christmas bells may still be rung
And Christmas peace replace all fears
And Christmas joy be felt through our tears.....

We miss you so much, our dear Tabi


~ author unknown ~

Tabi....you're light will forever shine

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