“I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year”

Last week, I did the hardest thing I have ever done: I said goodbye to the first man I ever loved. Dad (and Mom) taught me how to be a good human, to be strong and independent, to be strong in my faith, the importance of family, and showed me what true love really means.

It’s the Christmas season, and this will be the first Christmas I have not spent with my dad in 58 years. It’s going to be hard, but this poem was shared with me, and it helps to soothe some of my pain.

I see the countless Christmas trees,

Around the world below.

With tiny lights, like heaven’s stars,

Reflecting in the snow.

The sight is so spectacular,

Please wipe away that tear.

For I’m spending Christmas,

With Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs,

That people hold so dear.

But earthly music can’t compare,

With the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you,

The joy their voices bring.

For it’s beyond description,

To hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,

Trust God and have no fear

For I’m spending Christmas,

With Jesus Christ this year.

I can’t tell you of the splendor

Or the peace here in this place.

Can you imagine Christmas,

With our Savior, face to face?

May God uplift your spirit

As I tell Him of your love.

Then pray one for another,

As you lift your eyes above.

So let your hearts be joyful,

And let your spirits sing.

For I’m spending Christmas in Heaven,

And I’m walking with the King.

~Author Unknown

I know how very lucky I am to have had both my parents for so long, and to have an amazing family who loves each other — thanks to what Dad and Mom taught us through the years — but it’s so hard to lose such an important part of my life.

I know that he is with Jesus now and that he is strong again, he is joyfully reunited with his family and friends who had gone before him, and that gives me great peace.

Dad, you will always have a piece of my heart, so until I see you again, I love you.