I clearly remember our last Christmas with Neil. We spent it in the hospital without tree or decorations. Our daughters were there, and we feasted on pizza from a gas station while we snuggled on a bumpy hospital bed enjoying TV Christmas movies. We all knew what was coming, but we put aside the future in favor of the present. It was one of my favorite Christmases. We eat Christmas pizza in Neil’s honor ever since.

Three people in my circle of relationships died in the past few weeks: one is his sleep from old age, one in a car accident, and one from cancer. So many people were touched by these deaths. Despite all the differences we humans have – politics, race, religion, philosophy – we share the experience of grief.  People we love will invariably die; no one is spared loss; everyone mourns. Even at a time of year when we are celebrating a glorious birth and the joy of Christmas, people are grieving.

So, if you’re mourning this year, you are not alone. The pain you feel will never go away, but you will learn to accept its company on your walk through life, just as others before and beside you have done. In this life, pain and joy comingle in every moment.

And if you’re not mourning this year, look around for those who are. You don’t have to do much – a knowing nod, a compassionate smile, a caring touch – any of these might lesson the pain of another human being. Isn’t that a true Christmas gift?

Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)