THE EMPTY SEAT AT THE TABLE

This time of year can be a joyful time and it can also be a very painful time.

Especially this year.  For many of us, it has been a year like no other.  We are all trying to navigate through it the best way we can.

For some of us, we have the holiday to look forward to.

For others, it becomes an additional source of pain.

There is an empty seat at our table.

One that used to be filled with someone we loved dearly.  

The emptiness is a constant reminder they won't be joining us.

We find it hard to fully engage and enjoy, even though we may still be surrounded by family and friends.

This year may be a different gathering for most of us, maybe on a smaller scale, or even spending it by ourselves.

Regardless, the empty seat will still be there.

However, is the seat really empty?  Or is it filled with love, memories and laughter?  Maybe even a heated discussion or two?

Even though they don't live on this earth as we knew it any longer, they live in our hearts and our memories.  We keep them alive in that way.

How do you think they would prefer for us to spend this holiday?  Would it be with love and appreciation for the time we had together, or sadness and false smiles?

We can honor that empty seat by always remembering what a gift we had by having them in our lives.  No matter the amount of time.

Don't let that seat be empty this holiday.  Fill that seat with loving memories and stories and the knowledge that you will someday be together again.

Believe in that with all of your heart.  Let them see that you live your life in the best way you can.  For them and for you.

You never know, they may be smiling right along with you.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Until next time,

Lisa J.

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