"Happy" ? New Year

Just when we think we’ve made it through the holidays with all the glaring messages of “joy”,  “peace”, and “hope” . . . the very emotions we find hard to feel . . . just when we are beginning to recover . . . here comes “Happy New Year”!  

And once again we are caught wondering how to respond.  “Happy” just doesn’t seem to be the appropriate adjective.   Somehow we didn’t see this surprise coming.  We concentrated on making it through December . . . and had failed to realize that January would jump up and grab us.  

So, how do we feel about a “new year”?   Often the response is confusing . . . because in one way a new year feels fresh, unburdened by all the sadness that this year has held . . . so a new year feels welcome.   But on the other hand, this new year will be the first year without our child. Something inside doesn’t want to enter that . . . it seems to only increase the distance in time from when our child was in our presence and in our arms.  So, “happy”?  Not exactly. 

Yet, the truth of time takes over and we have no choice but to live into this next year, so what might help?  

- moments of intentional remembering, cherishing the gift of our child’s life and love
- time spent with others who understand and are patient with our roller coaster ride
- making efforts - even small ones - to see the goodness that is still around us
- listening for what our precious child’s life has taught us
- and more moments of intentional, deeply grateful remembrances

May this next year be one in which your heart grows strong, resilient and grateful.  
May you continue to realize that the worth of a life is not measured in years but in love given and received. 

May you find a peace deep within that you didn’t know was even possible.