Honoring Your Child During The Holidays
By: Robyn Busekrus
Holidays are difficult to celebrate. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays but after losing our son, the holidays are difficult to celebrate. There’s still joy and excitement, but it’s mixed with sadness. When we lost our son in October 2017, it was right before the holiday season. Looking back, Thanksgiving and Christmas that year are a blur.
The Angel of Hope gathering in December has been a comfort during the holiday season.
I wish grief wasn’t a part of our journey. The Angel of Hope brings peace and support amongst others who have experienced loss. This will be our third year attending. Our first year was raw. It was a month and a half after losing our son Hope and the pain was overwhelming.
Last year, his brick was dedicated and our family was able to honor him in the ceremony. The ceremony has a sense of calm. Ours is tucked into one of our parks in town. It is serene and offers solace. The music and the reading has brought some peace in the midst of the sorrow.
One way I have tried to honor our son at home is at Christmas I write a letter to him and put it in his stocking.
The past two years I have opened the notes and read them. As I write, I try to imagine what he would be like at this stage…getting into the presents, playing with his brothers and experiencing the excitement of Christmas. By writing, I am able to express my thoughts and connect each year with our tradition of stockings.
This holiday season, may we celebrate in our hearts our children’s lives.
May we hold onto the simple things that bring joy. Be grateful for the support we have received through Share. Wishing you a peaceful and comforting holiday season.
About Robyn Busekrus
Robyn Busekrus is a mom, wife, educator, and writer who makes her home in Washington, MO. Losing her third son Hope in the second trimester of pregnancy, was an unexpected part of her life’s journey. Robyn’s blog www.robynsnestofhope.com chronicles the journey of loss and hope. Appreciating the little things in life, while holding onto faith each day is the message she wants to share with others. Her interests include reading, home decorating, vintage markets, and community service. Facebook: www.facebook.com/robynsnestofhope/