My First Christmas in Heaven... 2010

I am re-posting a beautiful poem my niece Kacee gave to me right after her mother, my sister, TC died three years ago. As some of you know TC died Thanksgiving weekend, which makes me very aware that for some people, the holidays are a struggle with so much perceived happiness and joy going on around us.



This year I post it in honor of people who have touched my family’s lives and we will miss them.


Grandpa Kenny: a wonderful husband to Mike’s Mom Marlene, an incredible father to Mike and Robin, a fun and loving Grandpa to Bret, Eric, Christine, Jordie, Nick, Anthony and Luke. Nick Francis: a good friend to my family for many, many years, and also a wonderful husband and father. Two of Jordan's classmates whose lives ended tragically and senselessly, Kevin and Connor.  And special love tonight, to Mrs. Umbach… my friend Karen’s mom, who is under hospice care this Christmas Eve night. Pat is a woman of great faith who exudes grace and dignity at all times. My prayers are with her and the entire Umbach family, as they struggle through this horrendously sad holiday season.


If you too have someone you have lost this year or year’s past, and this poem touches you the way it did me, I encourage you to list his or her name in my comments section. Sometimes it helps to know you are not alone.


My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless trees around the world below.
With tiny lights, like heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear.
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.



I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear.
But the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description to hear the angel sing.



I know how much you miss me.
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away, we really aren’t apart.



So be happy for me dear ones,
You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.



I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory of my undying love.
After all “Love” is the gift, more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.



Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do.
For I can’t count the blessings or love he has for you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away the tear.
Remember, I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.



(Anonymous)



We love and miss you TC.