Holiday grief

Comfort at Christmas

This is our ninth Christmas since our son Jacob died. It seems odd to write that. I felt stuck in time and in grief for so long I thought I’d never get relief.

I remember reading and hearing people tell of how the holidays will get easier in time.

I’m not sure I ever believed them. Maybe you feel that way now.

But now I know by experience that it is true. So I assure you that the sting will pass but the ache remains forever.

Time alone dulls the sharp edges of those who grieve during the Christmas season.

Is that a true statement? I do not believe it is because of the following verse.

“When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:17-18

God hears, God delivers, God is near and God saves.

Yes, time dulls the pain but the God of all comfort provides what we need when the pain is most intense. He is with us through time. So actually it is God who heals. It just takes time. His time.

Be assured in knowing that as you heal and are comforted in your grief that God provided that for you. He has an infinite amount of ways to provide that for us. A song, a prayer, a pet, a smile or a dream. It comes in so many ways.

When you receive comfort acknowledge God and give him thanks. Even if you do not believe in God that does not change the truth of my last statement. Our unbelief cannot and does not negate his existence.

He loves the world. He loves me and he loves you. That is as immutable as a sunrise.

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Jesus

May God bring you all comfort this Christmas.

Overcoming seasonal depression by the two advents of hope.

This Christmas is our fourth holiday season without our beloved Jacob. Much has changed in our lives since his departure. Much is an understatement of the truth I suppose. Truth is, everything has changed and nothing is the same for us in life which especially includes our holiday observances.

Stacey and I have often said to each other, “I can’t believe this is our life.” It’s as if we walked through the wardrobe into Narnia but the way back was lost to us. If I were given the script for our biography to read five years ago I would have placed it in the genre of fiction. I guess truth is truly stranger than fiction. Through it all I have found the words of king David to ring true and provide much comfort for my soul.

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.
 He guards all his bones;

I am thankful that God is near me, that he saves me, delivers me, guards me and protects me in all my troubles. This is especially true at this time of year when seasonal depression and waves of grief can overcome my heart so quickly.

I remember the terrible dread of those first couple holiday seasons. I also remember hearing from others who had lost children that the grief will change, it will get better but Christmas will never be the same. I have found this to be true.

The Christmas season is here again and advent is being observed by many Christians. We all get a little short-sighted at this time of year. The holiday buzz is everywhere and I can get distracted quickly with all the sights, sounds and smells of the season. I can also easily get swamped by grief and focus on the empty chairs in the family room. My eyes can lose their focus very fast. When hope is forgotten, comfort is forfeited and despair grips my heart when I lose sight of the reason for the season.

The coming of Emanuel was prophesied by Isaiah. The hope of nations was born in Bethlehem, placed in a manger and later nailed to a cross for the redemption of all who believe. He walked out of the grave, showed himself to many witnesses, ascended to the right hand of God and now Christians wait for the great second advent of the King.

God comforts the Christian. He dries the tears of his children with the tissue of hope. My hope is anchored in the reality that Jesus is coming again. As a believer in Christ I do not grieve as the world grieves because I have a living hope. I have God. This brings me great consolation.

All my sorrow will someday be turned into joy when I see Jesus face to face and he reunites me with my boy. All this is possible because the promised advent of Messiah was fulfilled in Jesus over 2000 years ago. The second advent is assured by Jesus himself and secured by his victory over sin and death through his resurrection from the dead.

2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3

The prophesied first advent is over and the promised second advent is soon to come. There is something far better waiting for those who love him and watch for his appearing. I encourage you to wait patiently in hopeful anticipation as you endure the many trials of this life. I leave you with theses comforting words of God penned through the apostle Paul.

13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

Merry Christmas Jake!

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A joyful and hope filled Christmas to you all!

 

 

Cherishing the chair

In 1987 Mr. Lynch was my future wife’s high school chemistry teacher. He once said to me “Someday, she is going to make somebody a good wife.” Mr. Lynch was right but I would add after 28 years of marriage that she has been much more than a good wife. She is an excellent wife, mother, friend and so much more to me and many other people.

All that Stacey ever wanted in life was to be married and have a family. This was truly her main desire and ambition as a 19-year-old woman. On September 17th, 1988 that journey began for us. The next October our daughter Jordan arrived, in 1992 our beloved son Jacob was born and then came our Jared in 1994.

Those years were filled with difficulty but also filled with family blessings. Stacey’s parents lived close by in the country home she was raised in. Our family was growing with nieces and nephews and the hub for all the hubbub was the home of g-pa and g-ma. We built a house near them on family property and soon after so did Stacey’s sister Lorri.

It was spring of 2013 that Stacey and I were preparing ourselves for the empty nest. Jared would soon leave for college in the fall. Little did we know how the family nest would actually empty beginning that terrible May evening. Lorri’s only son Justin overdosed less than a mile away from our homes. Granny fell at the nursing home that December, breaking her hip and passed only days afterward. I received a frantic call from Stacey on March 26th, 2014 that Jacob our son died in the basement of our home. He overdosed on prescription meds. Six weeks later Stacey’s mother slipped and fell from their truck hitting her head, and she too quickly passed from this life.

In twelve terrible months everything in our family households were turned upside down. The hub of the family wheel was broken and the connecting spokes felt the fallout. The family grew closer but we were severely fractured and nothing has ever, or will ever, be the same again.

Once again the holiday season is here. November reminds me of family gatherings, food, football, hunting and card games. There was laughter and sometimes the card flew across the table because grandma beat grandpa in a game of Shanghai. I remember the circle that we gathered in every Christmas for the reading of the birth of Christ and to give thanks to him for the year of blessings.

Today I recalled our last 3 Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. Year one was so numbing, astonishing and unbelievable. Year two was so raw and painful that going to work on Thanksgiving day was a better choice than celebrating anything. Year three is upon us. We are no longer numb nor are we are in deep grief- we are simply sad. The world around us carries on with normal family life as we adjust to life without loved ones.

The chairs are empty now, the smell of fresh-baked pies is not there. It is silent. Grandma and grandpa’s dormant and vacant home is a silent reminder of what family used to be for us. Death has killed family traditions and we have given life to new ones. In the warmth of these times is the chilling reminder of what it used to be and the things that can never be again.

The ghost of holiday past haunts our household. What I want most to give my wife this Christmas is not available on Amazon. All she wanted in life was family, to be a wife and a mom with a house full of love. 3 years have passed and there are four empty family chairs that remind us of the empty spaces in our hearts. Only heaven can fill an empty heart, it is there that the chairs are occupied and will never to be emptied again. We long for the day to join them in a place where every tear is wiped away. Someday all that Stacey ever wanted in this life will be permanantly provided her in glory. Until then we heal. Until then we happily endure the holidays as best we can. Until then the empty chair brings us sadness. Until then we cherish the chairs that are filled.

Until then Jake….save a chair beside you for your mom and I.

The good, the bad and the beautiful

The difficulty with change

 

I am a creature of habit and the few constant things that I control in life seem to bring me a sense of comfort. I always sleep on my side of the bed regardless of what bed I might be sleeping in. I sit in the same seat Sunday after Sunday in my church; right side, 5th row back , 1st seat next to the aisle. I suggested to my wife a couple months ago that we change our location in the church. Our row was once filled with family but now has become somewhat empty because of all the death. Sitting there had become emotionally difficult for me. Stacey responded by saying she has had enough change in life and was comfortable with our routine and refused to change. So there she sits in row 5, right side, 2nd chair in from the aisle, Sunday after Sunday right next to me.

I suppose there is a comfort in controlling the small things in life because much in life seems out of our control. Life is full of daily choices of great and little consequence. I choose the time to set my alarm, I choose whether to forgo shaving, I select my clothing, I choose to blog or not to blog and so it goes. Then there are the choices that change your life, things like choosing a wife, a college, a career, having children or the purchase of a home. Then there are the changes that I did not choose.

Losing a son has changed many things in the last year and a half. One of the most difficult adjustments to life after death are the many heightened emotional changes that come. Sudden change is disquieting and disturbing, it is the enemy of control and comfort. Grief causes me to be emotional and sometimes the emotion is difficult to manage. I am learning to live with this, it’s not all bad, but at the same time it’s not all good either.

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I expect to be emotional during the holidays and I can sense the emotional buildup. Last Sunday at church, during a Christmas song, before God and everybody, I stood and left my assigned seat being overwhelmed with emotion.

The Sunday prior I left church and stopped to get a headlamp for the car. We had a late night trip back home from Wheaton College after visiting our son Jared. The simple task became difficult and I blew an anger gasket right there in the parking lot of the auto parts store. Sadly, I directed it towards my wife who was only trying to help me. I rarely blow my fuse, but I occasionally do and I always feel terrible afterwards.

Grief has created huge emotional changes in me. Emotion is nearer to the surface now that Jake is gone. This has shown itself to be good and bad at different times but God always makes things beautiful in his time.

The good…

Some good emotional changes that have occurred. I think I am more understanding, compassionate, sympathetic and empathetic towards people. Empathy is an acquired emotion that is different than sympathy. You cannot understand the sorrow and pain of another until you wear the same boots and walk down the same path. It is good to sympathize with people but to emphasize (though I would not choose it for myself) is a better emotion to possess.

People ahead of me in the road of grief have been of great comfort, help and value to me. I hope to offer the same to others as I walk this road and see grievers merge into this highway of pain and emotional turmoil. Though I would not choose this path of pain for myself there is one before me who did just that. He put on his boots and walked this pathway long before me. He chose the wood on the trail and selected the nails. Jesus built a bridge to God for me to cross and through his cross I will see him and my son in heaven.

The Christmas season marks the time when God became a man and entered into the pathway of humanity through a virgin. “Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest of God, to make propitiation for the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted” (Hebrews 2:17)

The bad…

Some other emotional changes that have occurred have not been so good, if fact they are sometimes downright ugly and sinful. Because grief resides with me each day, each day is different emotionally. Sometimes anger can  show its ugly head when I least expect it. Grief will build and build over time but sooner or later, I know, the levee is going to break. When the dam lets loose it does not always take the form of tears but occasionally shows itself in rage. Truly, “The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20)

I have discovered that I prefer a good cry over a raging fit when my emotions decide to let loose. With tears there is a natural release and comforters are sometimes near to help me through. Rage on the other hand has caused me guilt and shame after I have spewed out all my frustrations. Many times anger is directed towards people we love most, but Jesus, the one who loves me most forgives and helps me. This is a beautiful thing!

…and the beautiful

The Easter season marks the time when Jesus returned to heaven to do the work of the High Priest that only the God man could accomplish. He understands me, he has sympathy and empathy in my failures.He helps me when my emotions get the best of me and I sin against him. He is full of compassion and merciful to me.

“Since then we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who was in every respect tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find help in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Christmas is difficult for those who have lost children. It is a heightened emotional time with many highs and lows, smiles and tears. If nobody else understands I am confident there is always one who does understand and empathizes with me daily. Jesus has walked my road and does not leave me comfortless. He provides me grace, mercy and help in my time of need. Christmas in in 3 days and I need all the help I can get. I am weak emotionally, but encouraged by his word to me. He said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) That to me is a beautiful thing!

Grace and peace to you my friends! Have a very Merry Christmas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

World peace imagined and world peace realized. Finding peace during the holidays.

Northern Michigan is warm, wet and brown this December. It was a balmy 60 degrees yesterday and the weather forecast has much of the same for the next ten days. It doesn’t look like Christmas, it doesn’t feel like Christmas and it’s OK with me.

I’m not being a bah hum bugger or a grinch and I’m not on the, “Christmas is too commercialized band wagon.” either. It’s just easier for me to endure this second Christmas apart from my lost son, and other loved ones, without all the sights, sounds, smells and bells of the holiday season.

I am haunted by the ghost of Christmas past each day in December. I am waiting anxiously for New Years eve because it marks the end of another season that can’t get over fast enough. I go Christmas shopping with my wife and I get slapped in the face with Christmas music. Holiday songs awaken my grief and the ghost takes my mind to a place I once was but where I can never return. Songs like, Blue Christmas and I’ll be home for Christmas cut my heart open wide and my internal bleeding rolls down my cheek. I walk and I wonder who else is hurting like me among all the shoppes and shoppers in all this holiday hoopla.

imageHere I sit in my undecorated home. No tree, no lights, no nativity. No indication that it’s the holidays, only a couple Christmas cards on the counter and some unwrapped gifts in the bedroom. I hear the rain dripping off the roof, I see the snowless landscape out of my bay window and I like it this way. I am reminded of last Christmas as I sit here musing. The tormenting spirit pokes me again. There, on a table sits a Christmas gift to us from my brother and his wife. It is a hand crafted night light, a beacon of hope and a gentle reminder of healing really. It  reminds me of last year, our first Christmas without Jacob and the awful pain we felt. I hurt, I am sad, but that light reminds me that the pain is duller and the grief is not as intense as it was a year ago. Maybe in years to come we will get a tree and decorate it with all the special ornaments that the kids made when they were small. Not this year, not yet, and I prefer it this way.

People say remember the reason for the season. Christmas means many things to many people but as a Christian it is a reminder of the incarnation of God into the stream of humanity. December is a time to remember this great truth but for me not a day goes by that I do not remember that Jesus  entered into this world and returned home to his Father. Every day is Christmas and Easter for a believer because the good news of Jesus Christ never leaves our heart.

I remember Bethlehem, I remember Jerusalem and I remember Jesus on  a hill called Calvary nailed to a tree. I remember his death on a cross that brought peace and good will towards men. I continually remember that he walked out of a tomb and appeared to 500 people over 40 days. I recall his ascention and his glorification and his promise that I cling to daily. A promise engraved in a book, in my heart and in marble at my sons resting place. It is in Jesus that I have found daily peace and in him I have good hope and genuine eternal peace.

world peace imagined

“His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace……” (Isaiah 9:6b) .

In John Lennon’s classic hit Imagine he said, “You, may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you will join us and the world will live as one.” Was John Lennon the price of peace?  John was a dreamer and many have dreamed along with him but will peace and oneness ever be possible in our world? Did he unite the world in the peace movement, can we today? No, the imaginations of John Lennon are impossible because peace is a byproduct of something else; something this world lacks.

Peace is a byproduct of righteousness. Isaiah said, “The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.” (Isaiah 32:17) Is the world concerned with righteousness? The world is actually quite unconcerned with righteousness, Jesus said himself that the world loves darkness rather that light (John 3:18-21) How then can world peace be possible in a world that loves darkness?

World peace realized

I do believe in a coming world peace but not without the Righteous One; Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Any other way is for dreamers, unimaginable and frankly humanly impossible. Are we closer to world peace than when Lennon penned those famous words in 1971?

Read through the cited verses on my son’s headstone and you will discover these words from the returning Price of Peace. Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (John 14:2-4) 

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The world cries out against peace and thirsts for blood as they did in the days of Jesus. Pontus Pilate said, “Behold your King! And the world responds as his own people did 2000 years ago. “Away with him, away with him!” Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. (John 19: 14-16) The people agreed and screamed, “We will not have this man rule over us!” They bowed to government while killing the King of the Nations.

An invitation from the King of Peace

….Isaiah concludes, “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:7-9) This is a real King who will rule on this earth from Jerusalem forever and ever……..

….and I conclude are you ready for this coming King?

The bible closes with an invitation to life and peace. Jesus the Prince of Life and Peace cries out from his throne and says, “Surely I am coming soon!” (Revelation 22:20)

Can you say with the apostle John, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”

Peace to you my friends and Merry Christmas. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)