A Different Kind of Holiday
- Rosetta Mandisa
- Dec 8, 2019
- 2 min read
No matter the occasion, my mother loved to cook and feed people. That was her
Mom and Dad
thing. Our family was always getting together for some reason or another and during those times, food was the main staple. However, when the end of November neared, my mother would begin planning her meal. She’d begin cooking late Tuesday evening and wouldn’t stop until early Thanksgiving day. She was certain to cook all of my favorite foods as well as those of my siblings. On Thanksgiving Day, Mom would make a huge breakfast so that we wouldn’t “bother her food until she was ready to serve it.” Breakfast held us for a while and soon someone would ask when we could start eating dinner. She’d tell them to make a sandwich because she wasn’t ready to serve yet. Late in the afternoon, after we’d suffered enough, Mom would call us all to the kitchen, ask someone to say the blessing and line us up with a plate. She would direct us around the different dishes as if she were orchestrating a symphony. Man, those were the days.
For many, this holiday season will be a joyous one or a challenging one. While I love this season, it is also a challenge for me as I am certain it is for many others. Since my parents passed away, the holidays just are not the same. For me, the memories are amazing but they also remind me of what I’ve lost and that is what makes this time of year difficult. I have made plans to spend each weekend leading up to Christmas having some holiday fun with my grandson. However, no matter how many tables I gather around, friends I hang out with or holiday shows I attend, my heart and thoughts will be on my parents.
My prayer today is for those who are finding it difficult to smile this holiday, may you find strength and peace to enjoy family and friends around you. I pray that you will continue to embrace and share your memories so that those who have gone on will continue to live.
If you don’t personally know the struggle of loss but know someone who does, I pray that you will be extra kind to them this holiday. Whether its been one day, one month, one year or fifty years, any loss can be great to those missing a loved one. Never suggest to someone to get over it. Be a listening ear, offer some compassion and if you feel moved, offer a prayer. We never know what is going on in the lives of our coworkers, friends and even family members when they are alone and behind closed doors.
Show kindness, share love and be a blessing…:)
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