Things Aren’t Always Full of Cheer
Things aren’t always full of cheer. That may sound a little hard to hear right after the holidays, but it’s how I feel right now. Let me explain.
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Christmas, winter and celebrating The New Year are things I look forward to all year long. Everyone’s heart is full of cheer and love. Well, this year was different for my family. Yes, we all were full of the Christmas spirit and looking forward to celebrating the holidays with our family, but my husband’s father was sick. He’s been sick for a while and he passed away on December 28, 2017.
J.L. was an amazingly talented man. He could play the guitar like a pro, build anything your heart desired including a guitar, grow veggies that would make anyone’s heart happy, paint beautiful pictures, and he was a great father, father-in-law, and grandfather.
I like woodworking years ago so he’d buy me tools for Christmas and make little jokes about how he was the only man he knew that could do that for his daughter-in-law. He was a really nice guy. He always had something nice to say about other people.
I am relieved he isn’t in pain or suffering anymore. I know he’s in a better place and I’m very thankful for that. It’s just hard. It’s hard because I’m human. I wanted him to stay here with us. That’s a very selfish thing to say, but my heart is broken. Broken because he was one of the nicest people in my life. If I was sad, he’d say something to lift my spirits. If I was worried, he would talk about something I loved so I’d stop thinking of what I was worried about.
To say he was kind was an understatement. He was a good man that I respected and loved. Seeing how he treated my husband and children made my heart grow. I miss him. God is with me and He will see me through this. He is my rock. He is my strength and He will help me heal.
Things Aren’t Always Full of Cheer
Thank you, Lord, for giving me an amazing father-in-law. Thank you for being my rock, my fortress and helping me with this healing process. I’m glad J.L. is in heaven with you, and I’m glad you’re here helping us remember the good times we’ve shared with him.
I’m very sorry for not being around as much as I wanted during this holiday season. I didn’t get all my emails answered or didn’t make the Christmas cookies I had planned, but I did enjoy time with my family. I hope you made some memories this year.
I’m in the kitchen baking again and will be back soon with tutorials, tips, and sweet treats. Until then, I love you all!
Bear hugs,
Lisa, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I’m so sorry to hear about the death of this amazing man, especially right after Christmas. But he must have been a really special man–how wonderful to be someone who is so dearly missed by those who are left behind. Prayers are with you.
Lisa, such a beautiful dedication to your father-in-law. Praise God for the memories he left with you all and the legacy of his character and beauty your own children can pass on about Grandpa. Blessings.
I’m sorry about those bad news… My mother also passed away on December but several years ago and that affects the way we celebrate but they’re not far away! They are now just sitting aside to see how we put hands on all of the things they taught us.
May your heart be in peace and, hopefully soon, joyful again
I am so sorry for your loss. I would be just as selfish if I lost such an amazing person in my life. Keep the memories fresh, speak of him often, speak to him often, it will help with your grieving. Your heart will never be the same, just a little easier as time passes. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Lisa, I’m so sorry you lost your father in law this Christmas. It is devastating anytime but so much more so at Christmas. I lost my husband of 27 years on December 9th. My heart is absolutely broken, but I am in agreement with you. Jesus will carry us through this heartache. My husband was also an amazing guitar player, artist, and ER nurse. I feel so blessed to have been his wife. Thank you for sharing your post. It’s helps to know I’m not alone in grief this time of year. Praying your happy memories and the love of family and friends will help you endure this time of grief. 💜Chrissy
I am sorry for your loss. May your precious memories comfort you in the days and months ahead.
Lisa, I am so sorry for yours and your family’s loss. He sounds so he was truly amazing man who always knew the right thing to say and do to make everything better. I’m glad that you have so many wonderful memories of him and the type of person that he was. I’m certain that his legacy will live on through you. Then, I am so sorry for your loss.
my sincerest condolences to you and your family. it sounds like you were both lucky to have each other in your lives. xo
I’m so sorry for your loss Lisa. And to add to your pain, it happened around the holidays which is always heartbreaking. I see you have your religion which will help you through this. Bless you and keep marching forward.
Denise
Sorry you lost such an amazing person. I hope your heavy heart is healed quickly and you can celebrate him with beautiful memories
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. You honor your dear father in law’s life so beautifully in sharing him with us. He certainly was a gift to your family and I know the loss is greater than words can convey. Your faith is beautiful and will sustain and heal you as you both grieve and celebrate his life. Prayers for you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your memories of him.
Thoughts and prayers are with you. He was blessed to have you.
So sorry to hear of your sad loss especially at this time of the year, I lost my darling husband 4 years ago on 25th January and I miss him terribly at Christmas time and new year’s eve, but as you said, you have the dear Lord in your life, He IS your rock and He is with you, and He will be with you through this sad time, treasure all the memories, as I do :-).
Lisa – I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your wonderful & wonderfully talented father-in-law. It’s tragic and so sad at any time, but especially at holidays to lose someone dear to you. You know where your husband gets all of his endearing qualities. For a daughter-in-law to gush so about her father-in-law is a great tribute to him. He was truly a special person in all of your lives. You were related by heart, that’s for sure.
Your treasured memories are something that will be with your family forever. Remember those memories and smile when you think of him and how much he enriched the lives of your whole family.
XO fromTavette in S. Fla.
Dear Lisa,
What evident great love your father-in-law had for his family. A beautiful analogy of the great love our Heavenly Father has for His children as you know. Praising the Lord that He had you all together for this very difficult time in your lives. I think we think too often that Christmas is “the most wonderful time of the year”, but in many ways it’s the hardest…loss of family, tragedy in other ways, painful memories, etc.
Take time to heal! All of us love how you share so much of yourself and your gifts, but know we will be patient and want you to take your time. Rejoicing that you know that one day you will see him again and that he is in the loving arms of Christ.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15) Your Father-in-law is finally released from the pain and agony and he can finally spend eternity with Him.
Blessings,
Suzanne Duke
Lisa,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember when my grandmother passed away several years back, the Pastor told us that death has a way to always astaund us. Even when we know it will happen, that doesn’t help on preparing us for the sorrow to come. But like you mentioned we are human and is in our human nature to mourn the loss of those who have impacted and even shaped us to who we are. I pray the Lorn will continue to give you and your family peace and comfort in this difficult time.
I am a mother of five and grandmother of 6. Our two youngest are adopted and came into our lives at the same time I became a grandmother. Life has always been busy… joyful… and… full of balancing. I came across your posts last year, and although I haven’t had time to bake dozens of cookies, I felt a connection to you. After reading your post, I now know why. Thank you for reminding me that kindness and a listening ear and much needed hug will be the things the children will remember when I have gone home. We had some sickness here and there all through the holiday and I never fell into the Christmas groove; but we did get our gingerbread house day in( 8 kids) and let the rest of the traditions fall where they may. I hope it was all about the love even if the bar was set a little lower this year.
What an honor to be loved and missed in a absense….and what a dear daughter in law you must have been to your dad in law as you spent time together because you wanted to. May the Lord preserve all those fond memories as he heals your heart in time. Fondly, Patrice. Franklin TN
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Take comfort in the joyful, loving memories you and your family have of your Father-in Law – may those help you through this difficult time.
I’m so heartbroken for you all. Many prayers for the family. It’s never easy, especially during the holidays. I lost my husband on December 28 some years ago. I’ll be thinking of you and your family. Just take time to grieve. It’s wonderful your had an amazing father in law. Gods blessings to you all. Much love.🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️
So very sorry for your loss Lisa. I lost a close cousin very suddenly on December 28, so I do understand where you are coming from. Sending thoughts and prayers your way for brighter days ahead. Cherish all the good times you shared.
Very heart felt condolences. Sounds like such an amazing man and his legacy will live on through your children. He showed them in action.
!Oh my gosh – what a wonderful tribute to a gentle, Godly man! I am asking the Lord today to bless you, and comfort you –
I can only imagine what a tremendous joy you were to him. My prayer for my children is that they find creative, passionate spouses. His legacy lives on in you, your husband and your family – don’t minimize the life giving gift he continues to give you through your memories.
I am so SO sorry for your loss…but I am super glad you shared it with us to help carry the burden, remind us of the gift having loved ones around us is, and that we all have the opportunity to bless and impact those around us as he did, in a positive way. Much love sent your way….
Lisa, you are such a good person and I am so sad for you! Going thru dementia and hospice for both of my parents right now. It isn’t any easier when you didn’t have a good relationship with them, either! Mine! But trying to be good. Hang in there!!
Lisa I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ll put you in my prayers.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I understand being torn between wanting them not to suffer any longer and not wanting them to go, it’s exactly how I felt when I lost my dad. Big hugs and prayers for you. xox
I am so sorry for your loss. Take the time you need to grieve. We’ll all be here when you feel up to making cute treats again. Sending you a big bear hug!
My sincere condolences, Lisa. I am sorry to hear about your wonderful father in law J.L. I pray the memories carry you through this very difficult time. What a blessing you had him in your life. God Bless you and your family!
I am sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs sent your way. Allow yourself time to grieve and don’t be surprised that it takes you longer then your thought. Cookies will wait for you and so will we.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. How truly lucky you were to have such an amazing person in your life! You and your family are in my prayers.
Oh, Lisa, how I wish I could have known him. I love wonderful people like that. I am so sorry. I will be thinking about you. Dezi
Dear Lisa,
I am so sorry to hear about the death of your father-in-law. May you and your family accept my deepest condolences. It is so difficult to have someone you love and care for, pass away. You are not alone- you have God and your many
on-line friends who love and appreciate all that you do.
Take care,
Beth
So sorry for your loss. Praying God will wrap his comforting arms around you and your family.
So sorry for your loss ~ sounds like you were very lucky to have him in your life!! Cherish those memories,,,,
I am so very sorry for your loss may the Lord comfort you may you feel his presence.
So sorry for your loss, so thankful that you know and love God and that He is your rock. May His love and peace that surpasses all understanding envelop and carry you and your family in this difficult time.
I am so sorry for you and your family. My prayers are with you all. Everyone always say that time heals all things but I have learned this is not true, Time makes the burden easier to carry.
Ma God comfort you and your family! Sharing your faith is wonderful reminder to me that God is faithful.
God bless
Lisa I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. He sounds like he was a great man and somebody that everyone will truly miss. Try to take comfort in the fact that we all reunite! I’m sure you do, It’s the hardest on those left behind and the great loss and void in our hearts of not being able to see our loved one. Thankfully, they live on in our hearts and memories. I lost my dad several years ago, and I miss him so!! You and your family are in my heart and prayers. Lots of love sent your way.
I know how you feel. My uncle died on Dec. 12-he was more like a father to me. He , also was suffering and is now in a much better place. But it’s still hard. God be with you.
Hi Lisa,
I am so sorry for your father-in-laws passing. Having been through this with my husband’s parents & mine, I can tell you it is never “easy” to accept. No matter how sick they are. It’s never “the right time”. Be happy that you brought him happiness, also. May your memories sustain you & your family through this difficult time.
Ooh sorry Lisa for your loss, may the good LORD really comfort during this trying moment. GOD bless
Lisa, I’m so very sorry for your loss. You have honored him so well by all the beautiful things you said about him. He was one in a million and I only hope your sweet memories and faith in God will comfort you and your family in these difficult days.
My best,
Sue
I am so sorry for your loss. My you find strength in the wonderful memories you all shared.😘
So sorry. Wish words could make everything better… just take time to heal and when u can sit still and listen to your soul… as your father in law has only passed to the other side… he is with you. Hugs to you Lisa 💕
I am so sorry for your families loss…May the Perpetual Light shine upon him…
May you find comfort and strength knowing he is now in the Loving Arms of Jesus free of all worldly pain. Your life was made richer because of your Father in law and you will forever cherish the precious memories. You now have a very special angel watching over you. Prayers are with you and your loved ones”
With deepest Sympathy 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Lisa, please take comfort in knowing that so many people are helping you carry the pain of your loss. While we might not have known this great man, and will most likely never meet you, rest assured we care deeply for you. Its just that the Heavenly Father stretched His hand out to welcome your father in law into his embrace. For that, we can rejoice.
Lisa, thank you for this blog post…this has been how my holidays go for the last several years….my father passed several years ago and most recently my children’s father in late November… I just keep remembering, He will never give us more than we can bear….I have to believe that everything is done for a purpose…praying for you and your family…
I’m new to cookie making with royal icing and so enjoy everything you have done for everyone! My heart reading this is heavy for you. I’m praying for God to wrap His loving arms around you & all of your family and continue to give you peace throughout this year and always. What a blessing to have a wonderful father-in-law. Hugs Cecelia
Hello Lisa – You shared wonderful memories of how your father in law was so much a part of your life – Am glad you had all those wonderful memories with him and your family – as Holly stated – thankfully our parents and in laws and people in life that have touched us – remain in our hearts and memories forever – May you know no further sorrows – just remember the good times!
Hey Lisa..am sorry for your and your family loss. and always my prayers with you…! thanks for sharing your experience….!
Lisa, I am so sorry for your family’s loss. What a lovely heartfelt tribute you wrote. You and your family are in my prayers.
I’m so sorry. It sounds like you won the father in law lottery. I hope in time that the good memories will bring a smile to your face and heart. It’s so hard and you’re never ready.
I am so sorry about the death of your father-in-law and I’m sure you will miss him always. It is so comforting that you have such wonderful memories to hang onto and also the knowledge that he is healed and at peace in his eternal home. Thank you for sharing and offering others hope that are going through similar losses.
Lisa I am so sorry for your loss. May God wrap His loving arms around you, your family and friends who knew and loved your father in law. They will always be time for baking, but family is always first. Take care ( (( hugs))) and prayers.
Lisa, what a wonderful tribute to a loving man. You speak so well of him. It sounds like your family was very blessed to have him in their lives. I’m glad you have the love and comfort of our Lord to hold you up. Peace!
Thank you, Evelyn. I have so many happy stories of watching him fish with the kids, baking, making something wonderful in his workshop and painting beautiful pictures. He’s touched my life and made me a better person and I’m very thankful. My kids had a special grandpa!
Lisa.
Praying for the Lord of all comfort to comfort you and your family at this time of grief and loss. Your father in law has had his Coronation Day. 🙂
Thank you, D J. Thank you for your prayers. I know he’s happy and that gives me great joy.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I am not a religious person, but you and your family are in my thoughts. Love from Holland xx
Thank you for thinking of us Melanie. That means so much to us. Hugs!
I know that this does not help so much at this moment but really, time does help with the healing of all the raw pain that you and your family are feeling at the present time. It is a slow process! I never thought that I would be able to make it through at least 1 day and not cry cry after my Mother passed away. The sadness would not let up, but it did finally lend some relief. She would not have wanted me to be so unhappy and sad! I still miss her terribly and there are so many things I would like to share with her but knowing that she is safe with the Lord and feeling NO MORE PAIN from that ugly CANCER disease really makes me happy for her. It was really tough to see her in the condition that she was in. Just so you know, we love yall and trusting our Good Lord to ease you through this difficult time!
Thank you, Deborah. I’m sorry you went through that with your mother. It’s so hard to watch someone you love suffer from something you can’t see like cancer or kidney failure. We want to help them fight it so we can have more time with them. God has a perfect plan and I trust Him.
I know JL isn’t suffering anymore and that fills my heart with joy! I’m going to keep praying for all of us who have lost someone and we’ll get through this with prayers, love, and faith.
Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family during this time.
Thank you, Melissa.
Lisa, I’m so terribly sorry about your father-in-law. For many, the holidays can be a miss-mash of all kinds of complicated, conflicting feelings. Add to that the death of a beloved family member and you’ve really got a tough two weeks in store. I’m glad you found solace and comfort. Sending you and your family heartfelt condolences.
Lisa, I am so sorry for your loss. I have just joined your email community and was so comforted by the post I received, as my family is going through the same thing today. The Lord works in mysterious ways and is obviously working through you!
I’m sorry for your loss Donna. I’m praying for you and your family and if you need anything, email me.
Oh Lisa, I’m so sorry you lost someone so dear to you; it’s never easy. Something tells me you were just as dear to him. Time does help ease the pain, but we will always miss those that we loved so deeply. What a huge blessing it is that we have the Lord to buoy us up in these most difficult times. Sending much love and a big hug! XOXO, Sue
I am so sorry, Lisa. What a wonderful tribute to your father-in-law-I feel the same way about mine. What a blessing to have such sweet memories of a great man
♥ The Lord is my strength and my song. ♥ Psalm 118:14
Thank you for sharing.
My condolences to your husband and yourself on the loss of a father that was so loved. My heart goes out to yours as you grieve his passing. Give yourself permission to prioritize your commitments putting you and your family at the top. The rest can wait.