Grief is Meant to be Shared

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

December 3rd, 2023, my world crashed! I stood beside my husband, In the ICU, holding his hand, telling him how much I love him. Three days later, the angels escorted him to his heavenly home.

Grief rolled in like a tsunami. First numb, then waves of mixed emotions crashed over me, leaving me exhausted, crying endless tears, struggling to breathe. The days passed, and the months passed. Slowly, healing began.

Now, although healing has merely begun, two years and 2 months later, I feel ready to blog again.

My 2025 Christmas story – fiction based on a true story

Dusk had set in, and Cali was about to draw the picture window curtains when, to her surprise and delight, a world of white caught her eye. She watched large, fluffy snowflakes float softly from the sky, landing gracefully on the already snow-covered ground.

“Well, what do you know, we are going to have a winter wonderland this Christmas Eve! Thank you, God,” she said loud. “You know how much I love a white Christmas.”

Feeling nostalgia creeping in, Cali lit a candle and set it on the windowsill. She stepped back and let out a sigh. The warm, flickering flame and the soft, sweet smell of melting beeswax filled her senses. Inspired, she lit a few more candles; placed some on the mantlepiece and some on the coffee table. Satisfied with the ambiance, she sat down in the comfy leather armchair by the fireplace—letting out another sigh.

©©Memories flooded in. Emotions stirred deep. A tear slipped down her cheek. She wiped it away—but another followed, and yet another. Her thoughts rolled back to a time when the family was all present on Christmas Eve, sitting in the glow of flickering candles, laughing, singing, and retelling the story of Jesus’ birth.

The tears carried deep sadness, but they also carried great joy.

Sadness because one member of the family was missing. The member who always sat in the chair she now sat in. The member who led the storytelling and excelled at gift-giving.

Joy, because of the memories reminding her—we are family, we love and are loved; we are not forgotten, and we have this moment to enjoy. And one day we will remember and celebrate for eternity those special times we shared as a family.

As Cali let the memories flow, a peace filled her soul. Gratitude followed. “Thank you, Lord, for all the good times. For helping us through the tough times, for always being there, whether or not we felt your presence. Thank you for giving us hope for tomorrow, a tomorrow so amazing we can’t imagine its amazingness. And thank you for today.”

Curled up in her husband’s armchair, covered with a soft blanket and a pillow hugging her heart, Cali drifted off into a peaceful, sleepy state.

I want to pray for those of you who are wading through grief.

Lord, I pray for those who are missing loved ones. We look to you for your comforting presence, knowing that you understand our grief. Thank you for the gift of peace that surpasses all understanding. Loved ones no longer with us leave a void. I thank you for your promise to be near the broken-hearted.

Lord, I ask you to soothe those who are grieving and lighten the weary soul. Help us find strength and joy in the memories so dear. I pray your light and love guide us through 2026 and beyond. Thank you, Jesus, for your gifts of love, peace, joy, forgiveness, and salvation. Help us let your light shine through us, bringing hope to those around. Amen.