My mother-in-law's birthday is December 25. So whenever we greeted each other "Merry Christmas" once the clock struck 12, turning to greet her was more special because it's also her birthday. But who knew that Dec. 25, 2009 would be the last time we'd do that?
She passed away last May. She had been dealing with cancer for 2 years by last Christmas, but she was coping well; she was healthy and vibrant. Barely 5 months later though, she was gone.
And now, it's almost Christmas again. It's almost her birthday again. But this will be the first one we'll spend without her, the first we'll spend bringing her a birthday cake at her final resting place, the first where the clan's Noche Buena will be filled with only "Merry Christmas" greetings but no "Happy Birthday" as well.
Realizing this somehow knocked me back to reality. I'd been all "Bah humbug" about the holidays. But thinking now about how different our Christmas Days will be from hereon has given me that last ounce of decisiveness I needed to declare that, I'm done with this -- all this fussing and rushing and stressing during the holidays. All this holiday busyness that I'm not used to and hate.
Life is too short.
Christmas is about life, love, forgiveness, blessings, hope, and freedom. I want to spend my holidays enriching the meaningful relationships that I have. I want to be lending a hand more often than trawling the malls or online shops. In the days leading up to Christmas Day, I want to be in the company of good friends rather than supervising my little "Santa's Workshop" at home.
I also wish that starting December 2011, my husband could effectively manage his own shopping list. That, or he should get his own PA. I ain't doin' that no more, sweetie!
Happy Birthday, my Lord. Happy Birthday, Mommy.
God bless us, everyone!
She passed away last May. She had been dealing with cancer for 2 years by last Christmas, but she was coping well; she was healthy and vibrant. Barely 5 months later though, she was gone.
Realizing this somehow knocked me back to reality. I'd been all "Bah humbug" about the holidays. But thinking now about how different our Christmas Days will be from hereon has given me that last ounce of decisiveness I needed to declare that, I'm done with this -- all this fussing and rushing and stressing during the holidays. All this holiday busyness that I'm not used to and hate.
Life is too short.
Christmas is about life, love, forgiveness, blessings, hope, and freedom. I want to spend my holidays enriching the meaningful relationships that I have. I want to be lending a hand more often than trawling the malls or online shops. In the days leading up to Christmas Day, I want to be in the company of good friends rather than supervising my little "Santa's Workshop" at home.
I also wish that starting December 2011, my husband could effectively manage his own shopping list. That, or he should get his own PA. I ain't doin' that no more, sweetie!
Happy Birthday, my Lord. Happy Birthday, Mommy.
God bless us, everyone!
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