Fathering in Faith

People warned me that the holidays are tough and I honestly couldn’t understand why it was different than other days. After our Thanksgiving gatherings this year, I can understand a little more.

First, I am most thankful that my parents and Christina’s family were all with me through this first holiday. I loved seeing how welcome my parents were into Christina’s whole side.

Second, I still enjoyed spending time with everyone. Ramsey laughed and had the best time with his cousins both Thursday and Friday.

Third, I am thankful for the blessing of everyone stepping in and helping with Ramsey. There was several times that grief just hit and I needed to check out, and I was thankful for all the times various family members hopped in and loved on him or played with him when I checked out. If you are ever part of a family who has to go through a similar situation, use this as a great reminder how all those little moments of stepping in help so much!

Last, the part where I realized holidays are most difficult. Taking pictures. Couples tag teaming taking care of their kids. Couples holding hands, hugging, kissing, putting their arms around one another or resting their heads on each other. Those things shouldn’t be things that those around me stop. They are good things. That is one of the best parts of the holidays, but when you are missing that person, they just stink. And it makes you miss that person so much more.

I wish I had years of thanksgivings with Christina in the future, but I’m thankful for the ones I did get to have with her. And I’m thankful for my family now, loving me in the midst of the first holiday without her.