 |
| Painting by Leonid Abramov |
Dearest Daniel,
We did it. Somehow we celebrated the birth of Christ in Christmas, for the tenth year since your departure.
Sometimes, it does seem as if you have been gone for ten years. Your brothers and sisters have continued to grow and find a place in the world. One of them has a house, and a second property as an investment. One of them has a business and one of them has a child. One of them has his second adult job. We think of you, and mention you often. Sometimes, on days like today, it seems as if you departed Earth not long ago. Some of the Christmas songs that played frequently the year you left, still play today, and in the cold and damp weather, I am transported to those early days of a funeral for one of my children and then Christmas shortly thereafter.
I can't really imagine what your life is like now, after ten years in Heaven with Papa Lawrence. Knowing both of you, you are still concerned about people and animals and still love us, but are focused and grounded where you are. Please know that you are both terribly missed.
I don't forget either of you. I don't know whether Heaven celebrates Jesus' birth on the actual day he was born or on the day we celebrate it here, or even in the first week of January like the Russian Orthodox church does. It's hard for me to imagine a place where time is not measured as it is here. Despite my understanding to some degree that the place you reside now is quite different than here, it's still hard for your mother, a mere mortal, to understand. I have been lucky to find supportive and understanding friends since your departure, and I have parted with some of the friends I had when you were still in Earth.
Merry Christmas to you both, with all my love. Please take care of my animals until I see you again, if you can. I love you more than you will ever know.
Mom
This is Paula Seling, a Romanian singer. The song is "What Do You See Pastors ?" in commemoration of Christmas, sent to me by one of my wonderful supportive friends.
