The holidays are such a hard time of year. During this time of year, I always miss Jared even more. I wish he was here to go to the pumpkin patch. To help Steven carve his pumpkin. To help scare the trick-or-treaters. I wish he was here to go on our Thanksgiving ski vacation. To have a snowball fight. To eat our non-traditional dinner. I wish he was here to help us decorate the house and put the ornaments on the tree. To go to mass on Christmas Eve as a family. To sing Happy Birthday to baby Jesus. To see the joy on Steven’s face as he opens the gift he so desperately wanted. To join in all the fun, traditions, and spirit of the holiday season. To share in all the things that he is missing.
This year there have been a lot of changes in my life. And I am moving forward in ways I could never have imagined. But that doesn't mean that the ache for Jared is gone. This year I will celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with Jon. But I will still miss Jared. People are not replaceable. Having Jon here to celebrate the holidays doesn't mean Jared absence won't be felt. And as I sit and write my annual Christmas Eve letter to Jared and share with him my feelings and thoughts as the year comes to an end, I will thank him. Thank him for giving me such a solid foundation of love. Thank him for all the holidays that we did get to share together. Thank him for going along with all of my traditions without complaining.
As Halloween rolls into Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving turns into Christmas, and Christmas becomes New Year's, I will often think of Jared. As I watch Steven snowboard down the slopes I will think I wish his dad was here. As I put the ornaments on the tree and Jared's letter in his stocking, I will think damn I wish Jared was here. On New Year's Eve as the clock strikes midnight, I will think it's another year ending and a new one beginning.that will never know Jared. But I will also enjoy the holidays for all they are now. Count my blessings that I have an amazing son and a beautiful bonus daughter. Enjoy honoring old traditions and starting new ones with Jon. Feel the excitement of getting to share that kiss with someone special at midnight. And truly be thankful that I have been blessed with two endless love stories with two amazing men. And that just because Jared can't physically be here to celebrate the holidays, doesn't mean he won't be included.
Yes, the holidays are hard. I am constantly reminded that Jared cannot be here to enjoy our traditions and celebrations. But I know that I will always carry him in my heart. That his spirit will be wherever I am. That there will always be a place for him at my table.. And that I can still honor him while celebrating the holiday season with Jon.
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