Thoughts and prayers for you and your entire family. While I know there are no words to adequately give you comfort, I pray you take solace in the reality that someone else knows exactly how and what all you are likely feeling. 11-years ago (2007) today my Mother passed away; it was the culmination of a 7-year, poor health downward spiral - one which took a serious toll on us all. 4-years prior to that (2003), her father (my Grandfather) passed away - on Christmas Eve. 4-years prior to that (1999), her mother (my Grandmother) passed away - on Christmas night. Needless to say, it has only been during recent years that our family has begun to truly enjoy the Christmas season again. Looking back upon it all, our family is (though, no longer to the same extremes) ridiculously spread out; all over the world. Reflection and prayerful discernment yielded an ever increasing thankfulness ... Thankful God saw fit to time these awful occurrences in a manner whereby it was a much more friendly proposition for all of us to get and be together. Took me a little while to arrive upon that conclusion, but it has helped all of us in the healing process; while at the same time returning some semblance of joy to the season itself.
May God grant you and your entire family Peace, fully surpassing any and all desires for understanding.
