That First Christmas in Heaven, Part 2

Did you lose a loved-one during this year?  Have you considered that this will be their first Christmas in Heaven, friend?  For those that have had loss of family and friends through the years, did you wonder what that first Christmas in Heaven was like for them?

I wrote something like this last Christmas because my family and I experienced a loss last year. We made it through the holidays, then suddenly we found ourselves in an unexpected situation.  

One Saturday morning while trying on mother-of-the-groom dresses for my oldest son’s upcoming wedding, I received a Facetime call from my youngest niece. My brother’s daughters and I have a special relationship, and I love them dearly.  I answered my sweet niece’s Facetime with a laugh and mirthful comment like we usually do.  Then I realized by her facial expression and the uneasy response in her voice that this was not going to be one of our lighthearted, jovial conversations. I heard her exclaim, “No, Aunt T – something is wrong with Mimi!” 

She had spent the night with my mom and found her to be non-responsive that morning. A day of continuous communication with my brother followed.  It became evident that something serious was going on with our mom and my husband and I needed to travel back home to Oklahoma. Not knowing what the next few days would hold, we packed and prepared for the uncertainty.

We arrived at the hospital and found my brother with our mom. She had experienced a ruptured brain aneurysm. There was no interaction with her. We stayed with her day and night - doing what we do - praying, singing old Gospel songs and talking with her. On that Wednesday the doctors decided to bring in the physical therapy team. Our beautiful mom finally responded. She opened her eyes and, with assistance, sat up on the side of the bed. My brother and I were both there sitting across from her. Mom gave us a wave.  We each reached out to grab a hand. This was the only day we had with her looking at us and giving us any kind of communication. 

Saturday morning came - which made it one week since the incident. It was then that our beautiful Mom passed away into the arms of Jesus.

Life changed for my family and me – once again. Three months and two days before the loss of our beautiful Mom, our precious Dad had gone home to be with Jesus. Mom had been his tireless and loving caregiver for several years. We were devastated to say goodbye to Daddy – but thankful he was no longer suffering. Suddenly, we found ourselves stunned, shattered, and speechless at the unforeseen loss of our surviving parent.

Fortunately, we knew where to turn to first and foremost – our amazing God. I am so thankful that my brother and I are blessed with a very close sibling relationship …we leaned on each other.  His two daughters, along with my husband, two sons, and daughter-in-love were right there with us in the pain, the hurt, the shock - as well as – the comfort.

The love, strength, and humor rose to the challenge in us. As a family, we prepared a service to honor our beautiful Mom and Mimi and give glory to God. Our three cousins were there for my brother and me, as well. We now have our grandparents, their parents, and our parents as part of our great cloud of witnesses!  (Hebrews 12:1)

Through it all, it was not lost on me that our great God Jehovah was among us. Psalm 23:4 specifically states, “through the darkest valley …you are with me.”  There has never been a doubt during this season of loss that the Lord was and is with my family and me. I have not feared evil and I know He has guided our paths. My brother and I even gave our journey a word – seamless. God had His hand on us the entire time even though we walked through the darkest valley. He refreshes our souls. We are sure that goodness and love will continue to follow us all of our days. One day, each one of us will dwell in the house of the Lord – with our precious Pappy and Mimi –forever.

Losing a dear loved-one is hard to talk about, put into words and express for some – I understand.  My heart is heavy for all with a loss no matter when it occurred and for those who have endured this sorrow even this year. 

Mom was very special and had a close relationship with each of us in our family.  One thing we didn’t get to talk about was how do we live without her once she is happy in Heaven?  How do we go on each day without knowing she is here to love us, pray for us and check to see that we’re ok?   We just didn’t talk about her not being here with us.  

Now I’m here …without her. I know of course I have Jesus and He is my everything.  I am blessed with my beautiful family, wonderful friends and I am thankful.  

That first time since Mom passed away arrived when I was home and the time of day where we connected by text or by phone call came and I realized …she was not there to talk with.  Through the sadness, some joy filled me, and I smiled.  The reason?  Because I had an assurance in my being. I knew and I know that I know that I know that I know …we enjoyed a lifetime together.  Further, we made the very most of everything!  And I am grateful …so very grateful.  

We just didn’t talk about what I would do …without her.  I will continue to seek the Lord. Walk and talk with God.  Pray for everyone. I’ll remember our conversations and ponder them in my heart. I will laugh at the things we would think were funny.  I will watch out for my family – my brother – my nieces –- my cousins – and my faithful friends as she did.  I will continue in the strength Mom lived in …for her, as she would want me to - respectfully, lovingly, and gratefully!

I will go on – figuring it out – as she is in Heaven until I see her again …in Heaven with our Savior and my precious Daddy. 

We didn’t discuss how to live life without her …but oh, did she teach me how to live …with her. As much as I miss her – and I will as long as I live – I will breathe one breath at a time knowing now she is a part of my Great Cloud of Witnesses.  She is and always will be …a part of me❤️

I miss this powerful, strong, godly, thoughtful, loving, beautiful Mom of mine and will love her …always.  Mom, I can’t believe this is your first Christmas in Heaven - I can only imagine you’re enjoying every moment.  You have to be since you did here, because you made Christmas so very special each year.  I simply say to you, thank you!  Thank you for everything, Mom. 

This season can be the best for recognizing our Lord and can be the most difficult as we remember those no longer with us.  For some, we have a loved-one that this is their first Christmas in Heaven. Our family now has another one, again this year.  If this is you – I am praying for you.  My prayer is for anyone who is experiencing all of these feels right now.  I pray the power of focusing on Jesus will warm your soul and you can truly enjoy the memories of the ones who have passed on. Jesus will satisfy and provide your every need …only joy in Him and His birth …then see what He will do in and for you!  

My prayer for you, friend, is that you know Jesus. If you do not – please pray a simple prayer asking Jesus to forgive you of your sins and inviting Him into your heart to be your Savior and Lord.

May you and yours enjoy a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.  I am grateful you stopped by …and I will meet you here at Human Living Ministry in 2025. 

Be assured, dear Reader, Jesus loves you so!