I think it is easy for most people to relate. As for me, coming from two very large families, death occurs often. Although the holidays bring reflection and even some twinges of heartache, I can not imagine not having those people in my life even for the short time that I had them. While lossing my dad has by far been the hardest of all my losses, it is my memories of him that brings me the most peace. My hope for all this holiday season is that we remember to take comfort in the good memories of the loved ones that are no longer with us.
I'm right there with you. Last July, my brother married, a week later my mother died in my arms ( I will never be the same person), her brother in law died the following week, my ex fiance father, whom I loved dearly died, my niece's fiance mother died of cancer, 2 co workers wives died (more funerals), my mothers best friend who attended her funeral died of pancreatic cancer, I lost my job in May, the man I thought I would married decided he couldn't deal with my grief and haven't seen or heard from him again and my beloved doggie son Toby died of a heart attach,,Oh...my brothers wife lost a baby two week before Christmas.
Death was hanging out in my house, among my friends and family, yet God has given me the strenght to be a survivor and trust in him that one day in his time, I will see my loved ones again. I told my mother as she was dying that it was ok to go and come get me when it's my time.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, because I'm right there with you.
Happy New Year also....Judy