The holiday season is upon us.  For many, this is not a happy time for them.  Their hearts are hurting from losing loved ones dear to them.  We are no different, as we have loved ones in Heaven we miss daily.

Our city just held their annual Angel of Hope event this past Saturday.  A monument was erected 12 years ago of an angel with wings outstretched as if to welcome and embrace children taken too soon from this world.  My sister’s name is among the names called and pictures displayed during the annual memorial service.  It never gets easy as you hold flowers and take the slow, lonely stroll down the brick walkway where the angel sits at the end.  Right behind the angel to the left is a plaque we donated to the city for my sister.  Every year my parents and I take this heartbreaking walk.  As we are standing at my sister’s plaque, my dad will kiss his hand and place it on my sister’s name.  After every name has been called, candles are lit for our loved ones.  As a song plays, memories flood in right along with the tears.

Be kinder than you usually are, especially during the holiday season.  You never know what a person is going through.  The person standing right next to you in line at the grocery store might just be fighting back tears as they try to hold it together.

Choose kindness … every time.

And

Pray for all those hurting during the holiday season.