Christmas is a wonderful time to pause and count our blessings and delight in our family and friends. Unfortunately for some, the Christmas season is also one of sadness and loss.
Even though I lost my father a number of years ago, Christmas is a time when I feel his absence most acutely. Dad left this world quickly, suffering a heart attack whilst out golfing, giving us no time to adjust to not having him around. Our seemingly impenetrable dad taken too soon, his loss still felt every day by my mum in particular.
There will be over 100 families of patients Little Haven has cared for in 2012 who will be faced with empty chairs at their Christmas tables this year. It’s our choice, how we allow that situation to affect us, and whilst the rawness of this loss fades as the years pass, paying homage to lost loved ones is now a part of many families Christmas traditions.
As for me, I do my best to be grateful for the time I had with those we’ve lost. My dad (my hero) was always larger than life, and to me, he still is. He taught me, no one person is greater or lesser than any one other. The words in his memorial booklet continue to resonate with me in my recollections of him ….. Wherever he met a stranger, there he left a friend! I’m grateful for all the wonderful memories I have of my dad and the many happy (hilarious) times we had as a family together. His humour lives on in all of us.
Allow me to thank every member of this community, from Little Haven’s staff, volunteers, committee, service clubs, donors, sponsors….. right down to the general public who buys a $1 raffle ticket – everyone who gives 1 hour of their time or $1 of their money to support Little Haven. Your support has enabled those in our community the comfort and dignity to remain in the place of their choosing for their final journey.
I wish you and yours a very safe and happy Christmas season. And if you, like many, have empty chairs at your festive table, please try to count the many blessings the missing occupants of those chairs brought to your lives.
Fond Regards
Sue Manton
