First Christmas Without Them?

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised!
I taught this passage  to my children when they were just toddlers by making a song of it.I remember seeing them whirl around the room while we sang it.(Sort of Hebrew fashion dancing,maybe?) I knew that having my children learning scriptures was important ,because they are  "a comfort to recall when your back is against the wall." This is also my signature on my email.
Today, I'm going to a funeral .My cousin Neva became a widow suddenly and unexpectedly. Her husband of nearly 50 years was a devout servant of the Lord,well known and respected in his church and community.This is his homegoing memorial service.  I pray the many scriptures of comfort she has learned through the years will flood her heart today ,and comfort her.
........and what about you and me? How many of us have lost loved ones this year? My family has.How many of us will go through that first December without them? I know some of my blog friends,forum friends, and even my son-in-law will have to face this in their own way. I have found that the best way is to lean on your ROCK. In this world, my two brothers have become My rock to lean on,since Daddy is gone and I am single. I know I can drive just a few miles down the road, and brother number one will be ready to talk me through a problem,fix my leaky faucet, or whatever. Brother number two is 30 minutes away and is always willing to help me .All I have to do is ask. I call them "my rock". I feel reassured that they are just a phone call away.(My son lives in FL, and my daughter in AL, so not available...)
But they know I am speaking of earthly things. My REAL Rock is Jesus. No matter how large or how small, I can take my burdens to Him. He is just as close as the saying of His name!
As I am somewhat heavy myself, because my children and grandchildren are far away , I can only imagine how some of you in blog land must be feeling this Christmas season.You have had to say goodbye(for now)to a loved one.At least,though so far away, my children and grandchildren are still with me.
I have gone to too many funerals this year. It is heartbreaking to know that those I loved will be even more sadly missed by their children and parents.Please know that my heart goes out to the mom of Jake, and what Toodie is going through, and others. I will be praying, as will others that as you lean on the ROCK, you will find comfort.
If you would like to leave the name of your loved one who is no more with you, feel free to do so.Your blogger friends DO care.
~~~~~~~~Jackie~~~~~~