Gifts of the Heart
Staring at the Christmas tree, my eyes fill with tears. I'm reminded of a song that's become especially dear to me in this holiday season... lyrics that speak of the passing of time, how memories pop up during this time of year, bringing with them a little loneliness and longing. How a moment takes one by surprise and brings a tear as nostalgia for old times as you knew them sets in: people you loved, traditions you miss, places no longer part of your world. That's been how I've felt lately. In the wake of so much heavy, my mind has run back to times past and made me miss certain people or places or things that used to anchor me that are now only memories of the past. For some reason, it's like the grief has hit me harder than normal and that song - oh, that sweet song - has really spoken for me all the things I'm feeling in the heart. A family member asked the other day if I want anything in particular for Christmas this year and, in one quick second, the dam...
