Karla, your poem took a big chunk out of my heart my dear friend. Losing a parent near the Christmas holiday always seems to take something from us during the celebration that we can never replace. One of my parents left me on December 6th 2007. It is never the same without him at this time of year. I bid you love and peace. Jon Michael

For three Christmases now I've listened to Anne Cochran's song, "Someone Is Missing at Christmas" and it always brings tears to my eyes. Just as this poem did. My mom made Christmas for us. From the food she lovingly cooked to the packages she wrapped with painful care. Since then I've had to struggle to find the wonder I once enjoyed but every year I willingly undergoe that struggle because I know she wouldn't want it any other way. Be strong, my friend, and know that your dad, like my mom, is probably celebrating every day in heaven as if it were Christmas.

This is truly heartbreaking, Karla, but so intensely real. Thank you for sharing this pain with us and I do pray that speaking it out will enable a form of redemptive power to come in as a result. You speak for so many, I know, who do not find Christmas a time of joy OR peace. But, that being said, the miracle of Christ's peace is not confined to a commemorative day but creeps in at the corners of times and places where we least expect it. May it's surprise and wonder bathe you in hope in the days and weeks ahead. This is very well written and exceedingly powerful, straight from the heart. xx

You are fortunate to have such warm memories of your parents. Sad when they are gone. Christmas was the one day each year when mine acted human so I love that day to this day.

Hello Karla:

I just know how you feel. I missed my mom and dad so much every year around this time of the year, especially on December 16 is the day that my mom passed away 4 years ago. I still missed her so much.

You and Karen take good care of yourselves because that's what your mom and dad would have wanted you to do for yourselves.

Merry Christmas!!!!

((((( Love and Hugs ))))) from your friend in Toronto, Canada,

Sandie Angel :o)

Karla,

This is very heart wrenching, and must have been difficult to write. Remember, they are always with you in spirit. May you have a joyous Christmas and Happy New Year.

Mary

A sad and profound piece, Karla. Straight from the heart and soul...

Erin

I can well relate to this heartfelt piece of work, my dear friend.
You expressed your deep love for your Dad beautifully here.

You and Karen are in my prayers Karla. I know exactly how you feel, because I feel the same way about my mother. Even though we never got along, I miss her so much and there is now an emptiness inside of me that will not be filled until we meet again in God's house. I long ago forgave my mother for her not even trying to understand me, and placing me in harm's way. But my love for her has never left me. Karla, when I first came to AD, you and Karen were among the first to say welcome and don't worry about a thing because we will be your friends. You both have given me sound advice, and treated me like a sister for which I feel privileged.

This Christmas may find him not there physically, but he is there in spirit, because as long as he lives in your hearts, he will still be alive. I long for the physical words of my mother; I want her to yell at me, or scream at me as she throws my dresses and skirts n the garbage. Just one word, that is all I ask. But I know that she will not answer me because she is only here in spirit. But even so, she is alive and well in my memories and in my heart. So should your father Karla. A man as you have described him, can only die when he is forgotten, and he has two wonderful daughters who remember him fondly. Because you remember him so fondly, he will always be alive inside of you, because you carry him in your hearts. Thank you for sharing.

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

May the Lord Jesus bless you, and those whom you love, and be with you always, and by your side constantly. With much love in my heart, joy to the world, peace on earth, & ((((((((((((((((MANY WONDERFUL SISTERLY HUGGGGSSSS))))))))))))))))))) your littel sister, Barbie

Praying for you, I have not lost a parent but a dear Nonna so in a way I can relate
In Christs Love
Michelle~

I envy you your great memories, mine are a bit less joyful, but then again, all that is in the past & that is where it should stay...thanks for a wonderful year of great writes, dear lady...Merry Christmas Karla & Karen...Ed

:( I know

Just another day. Aptly titled; powerfully penned sadness. When there is supposed to be Christmas Joy, instead there is only Christmas Sadness for us and all those who have lost loved ones. Doesn't make it any easier, no matter how many years pass. We still miss our mom and dad as much as we did as when they first died. They were Christmas; they made the holidays fun. Now all we have are ... memories. It's just not the same anymore ...

(((HUGS))) and much love, your twin, Karen Lynn. :( tears!

I love how real this is. Many of us feel the same way. Please read my "Light a Candle" poem and know that those of us who spend Christmas alone are together.
I hope you get yourself a nice gift, wrap it in the prettiest ribbons and bows and pretend you don't know what it is when you open it. I've done this. It helps. It really does!
Hugs to you.