Christmas poem for those who cry

Contribution by: Maryjo Zacher – Director of Pastoral Care, OSF Home Care Services

Christmas desiderata for those who cry

Go peacefully in the middle of Christmas madness and haste, and remember that you don’t have to participate in the pace of anyone other than yours.

As far as possible, without giving a piece of who you are, be on good terms with those that matter to you.

Talk about your sorrow quietly and clearly and every time you want. Allow others to listen to you and tell your story again and again.

Log from those who empty you and be with those who give you a feeling of peace.

If you compare your sorrow with the sorrow of others, you could become vacillating and discouraged because there will always be people at different stages of sorrow. Know that you are where you should be for you.

Take advantage of your small steps of success along the Chemin du Chagrin. You worked hard to reach everyone.

Stay interested in your own plans and your own life.

Exercise caution in activities and traditions. Take care of yourself and be good with yourself. Adjust the deadlines on outings and events. Complete a few things then rest. You have heroically survived a death, you can heroically survive the holidays.

Be yourself. Cry when you want to cry. Talk about your beloved when you are so moved. If “the world” cannot manage a name or a memory, the world will have to learn … as you learn. Don’t be bitter when someone talks about love. Love is always a rare and precious gift.

Listen, if you can, to those of us who are further on the road in our sorrow. We have walked where you are walking now. We remember this intense burning pain. It improved for us. It will also be better for you.

Feed you. Take a break from all the “why” and “and if”.

Fatigue and loneliness are not your friends. Reach tranquility and a certain time alone.

Be soft with yourself. You are a survivor of the death of a loved one. You can survive anything.

Therefore, be at peace with yourself and with your God, whoever you believe God is. In the noisy confusion of the holiday season, try to be at peace with yourself. Despite everything you have faced, it’s always a magnificent world.

Last update: February 9, 2022