A Very Special Memory....

    Every year, on Thanksgiving, I go to my jewelry box where this special memory resides.  I wish to share the story of this wonderful wreath.
    My 7 year old daughter, Zanna, made this wreath in 2nd grade.  She was very proud of what she had made and even more proud when I opened the present from under the Christmas tree.  She hugged me so hard, I could barely breath, as she whispered Merry Christmas, mom, I love you.
     The following Oct, 1977,  Zanna died suddenly in an accident, crushing my heart and soul.  On the 1st Thanksgiving after she passed, I took out her wreath and wore it until New Years Day.  I was determined to celebrate her life and cherish that memory.  Through many tearful moments and boxes and boxes of kleenex, I made it through the holiday season.  I put her wreath in the jewelry box, and in my soul, promised to celebrate a life, taken too soon, but not to throw away the rest of my life grieving over that which  I couldn't ever have any more. 
      I struggled, day to day, with my loss.  But when I got too down-in-the-dumps over it, I would go to the jewelry box and remember my promise, to cherish and celebrate the life that I had been given for 8 years.
     Today, almost 40 years later, I could still ask why, but have come to accept there will never be an answer.  To everyone who has lost a dear and special person, I send you love and strength, and the knowledge that while you think today, life will never be the same, you are right.... it won't.  But, be grateful for what you had, cherish the memories you have, don't loose the the today and tomorrow over that which is gone.   Honer the lost, share the strength you have learned from this, and never forget.  For, in the sharing and celebrating of the good times, your loved one lives on, just as my Zanna is living on in the sharing of her wreath.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!