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rgcraig 12-04-2008 08:44 AM
My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Today it has been four years since my sweet Mother passed on. I found this poem and shared with the grandkids with pictures of my mom for Christmas that year.

Guess I just wanted to honor her today by sharing with everyone. It'll probably drive the non-Christmas folks a bit nutso, but oh well, freedom of speech, right?

My First Christmas In Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees
Around the world below.
With tiny lights like heavens stars,
Reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular,
Please wipe away the tears,
For I am spending Christmas
With Jesus this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs
That people hold so dear,
But the sound of music can’t
Compare with the Christmas Choir up here.

I have no words to tell you,
The joy their faces bring,
For it is beyond description
To hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,
I can see the pain inside your hearts,
But I am not so very far away
We really aren’t apart.

So be happy for me dear ones,
You know I hold you close
And be glad I’m spending
Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift
From my heavenly home above
I sent you each a memory
Of my undying love,

After all love is a gift more
Precious than pure gold,
It was always more important
In the stories that Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other
As my Father said to do,
For I can’t count the blessings
Or the love He has for each of you

So have a Merry Christmas
And remember, I am spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...aig/Mother.jpg

Rhoni 12-04-2008 09:02 AM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Renda,

Girl I am sitting here at work crying. Bless you for sharing this precious memory. I can't imagine my life without my Mom so I don't know exactly how you feel right now - but I will pray for you today.

Love & Blessings, Rhoni

rgcraig 12-04-2008 09:11 AM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Rhonda,

Honestly, I'm so happy that she's where she is - - out of pain and in the Presence of GOD! That takes the sting away - - even though I'd love to be making Christmas candy and cookies with her.

Thanks!

freeatlast 12-04-2008 09:19 AM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Having lost my wife's Dad this past June, that was a tearful read for me too. Thanks for sharing Renda

Cindy 12-04-2008 09:21 AM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
My Mom has been gone a long time, thanks for sharing Renda.

Ron 12-04-2008 09:58 AM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Renda, that is a beautiful poem! I am sorry your mom is not here, but I am glad you had her for as long as you did & the memories you have!

Pressing-On 12-04-2008 11:21 AM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Renda!
I'm crying my eyes out! That is the most beautiful poem in the world and your mother looks so sweet!!!!!!

Thanks for sharing your heart!!!!!! :friend

dizzyde 12-04-2008 12:32 PM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Renda, that was beautiful, and your mother looks so sweet, I'm sure you miss her, especially today. Will be thinking of you today.

Margies3 12-04-2008 02:01 PM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Renda, your mom sure looks like a beautiful lady. You come from good stuff, my friend!

Thanks for the poem. I'm going to print it out to share with my mom this year and with my cousin. My aunt just died 2 weeks ago. Her daughter is having a very, very hard time with it. Maybe she'll get some comfort from this poem.

Blessings!

Sherri 12-04-2008 03:24 PM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Thanks for sharing this, Renda. Your mom was a sweetheart, although I didn't know her REAL well. Just from the times I was around her, I just wanted to squeeze her! You are blessed!!:christmaskiss

tstew 12-04-2008 03:27 PM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Renda, I'm glad I finally clicked on this thread :) Thaanks for sharing.

OneAccord 12-04-2008 05:54 PM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Wow. For the seconfd time tonight, I've got tears in my eyes. But this time, those tears have been running down my face.

The other night, I had a dream. I dreamed I had caught a little bird and put it in a cage. It was a song bird and I wanted to hear it sing all the time, so I hung the cage on my porch. But the bird never made a sound. It just sat there. So... I turned it loose and it flew up into the tree and began singing for all it was worth.

As some know, I lost my Lola on Feb. 6. Its been a rough year. But, I was determined to hold on to Lola until Feb. 6, '09. Then I would take off my wedding band and let her go. I've wanted to see Lola again in a dream. Or hear her voice. But... I've had no dreams but one or two. But its been awhile. So heres the dream: Lola is the bird. I have had her caged in my grief. When I let her go... she will be free and then can come to me in my memories. I had decided that Christmas morning, I'd go to the cemetary and spend one more Christmas with her. There, I would take off my wedding band and let her go.

But... I wasn't sure. Was this the right thing to do? I prayed about it. Then I read Renda's poem. That was Lola. She was telling me that its time. Thank you Renda for sharing this. I know now this is what Lola would want. Y'all pray for me. I think this will be the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.

tstew 12-04-2008 05:57 PM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by OneAccord (Post 647092)
Wow. For the seconfd time tonight, I've got tears in my eyes. But this time, those tears have been running down my face.

The other night, I had a dream. I dreamed I had caught a little bird and put it in a cage. It was a song bird and I wanted to hear it sing all the time, so I hung the cage on my porch. But the bird never made a sound. It just sat there. So... I turned it loose and it flew up into the tree and began singing for all it was worth.

As some know, I lost my Lola on Feb. 6. Its been a rough year. But, I was determined to hold on to Lola until Feb. 6, '09. Then I would take off my wedding band and let her go. I've wanted to see Lola again in a dream. Or hear her voice. But... I've had no dreams but one or two. But its been awhile. So heres the dream: Lola is the bird. I have had her caged in my grief. When I let her go... she will be free and then can come to me in my memories. I had decided that Christmas morning, I'd go to the cemetary and spend one more Christmas with her. There, I would take off my wedding band and let her go.

But... I wasn't sure. Was this the right thing to do? I prayed about it. Then I read Rendas poem. That was Lola. She was telling me that its time. Thank you Renda for sharing this. I know now this is what Lola would want. Y'all pray for me. I think this will be the heardest thing I have ever done in my life.
OA, I did not know your story. I am so glad to see how this thread has encouraged you. I will be praying for you this Christmas season.

Pressing-On 12-04-2008 06:00 PM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by OneAccord (Post 647092)
Wow. For the seconfd time tonight, I've got tears in my eyes. But this time, those tears have been running down my face.

The other night, I had a dream. I dreamed I had caught a little bird and put it in a cage. It was a song bird and I wanted to hear it sing all the time, so I hung the cage on my porch. But the bird never made a sound. It just sat there. So... I turned it loose and it flew up into the tree and began singing for all it was worth.

As some know, I lost my Lola on Feb. 6. Its been a rough year. But, I was determined to hold on to Lola until Feb. 6, '09. Then I would take off my wedding band and let her go. I've wanted to see Lola again in a dream. Or hear her voice. But... I've had no dreams but one or two. But its been awhile. So heres the dream: Lola is the bird. I have had her caged in my grief. When I let her go... she will be free and then can come to me in my memories. I had decided that Christmas morning, I'd go to the cemetary and spend one more Christmas with her. There, I would take off my wedding band and let her go.

But... I wasn't sure. Was this the right thing to do? I prayed about it. Then I read Rendas poem. That was Lola. She was telling me that its time. Thank you Renda for sharing this. I know now this is what Lola would want. Y'all pray for me. I think this will be the heardest thing I have ever done in my life.
That was beautiful, OA!!!! I believe the Lord has prepared you for that event on Christmas morning. I will be saying a prayer for you on Christmas Day!!! God Bless!

Sherri 12-04-2008 06:02 PM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pressing-On (Post 647099)
That was beautiful, OA!!!! I believe the Lord has prepared you for that event on Christmas morning. I will be saying a prayer for you on Christmas Day!!! God Bless!
Same here! We love and support you. Even last February, you had such a great attitude and sweet humble spirit. God has certainly blessed you and I believe the best is yet ahead for you!

OneAccord 12-04-2008 06:29 PM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by tstew (Post 647094)
OA, I did not know your story. I am so glad to see how this thread has encouraged you. I will be praying for you this Christmas season.
tstew,

Oh, Brother, you just don't know. I don't know if you can go back that far, but, go back to February and see how these people encouraged me. You'll then see why I think of these folks as my family. I have never met any of the people here except two: Sis Esther and Bro Raven. Well, and PastorRick1959, but he rarely posts (I've known him since he was a snot nosed kid- come to think of it, I think I was too!) But for a bunch of people I have never seen and may never meet, I've come to know them as some of the finest bunch of Christians I have never met. And that includes you. This is my family. Its my church fellowship and I appreciate you all!

tstew 12-04-2008 07:01 PM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by OneAccord (Post 647138)
tstew,

Oh, Brother, you just don't know. I don't know if you can go back that far, but, go back to February and see how these people encouraged me. You'll then see why I think of these folks as my family. I have never met any of the people here except two: Sis Esther and Bro Raven. Well, and PastorRick1959, but he rarely posts (I've known him since he was a snot nosed kid- come to think of it, I think I was too!) But for a bunch of people I have never seen and may never meet, I've come to know them as some of the finest bunch of Christians I have never met. And that includes you. This is my family. Its my church fellowship and I appreciate you all!
I know that there are times when this forum catches some heat from people, and I know that there are those who question a lot about the members here. However, everytime I run into a thread like this and see the Christ-like reactions and the apparent love and concern, I am reminded of why I'm here in the first place.

rgcraig 12-04-2008 07:03 PM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
I'm so glad I posted this today - - it's helped me too to know that it's helped others!

I love you guys!

OneAccord 12-04-2008 09:14 PM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by tstew (Post 647178)
I know that there are times when this forum catches some heat from people, and I know that there are those who question a lot about the members here. However, everytime I run into a thread like this and see the Christ-like reactions and the apparent love and concern, I am reminded of why I'm here in the first place.
I'm with ya, Bro. I just scoot around all the "Bombshell" threads and the "Hey, did ya hear about...." posts, and look for threads like this one. I come here sometimes and get so frustrated by the "yak-yak" threads, then, just when I'm about ready to give up, somebody posts a thread like this. And the people. I may not agree with some of them, but, I gotta tell ya, for a bunch of people I wouldn't know if I met them on the street, I really love the AFF gang.

HeavenlyOne 12-04-2008 09:51 PM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Renda, thanks for posting your poem and the pic of your mom. I'm jealous of those with such a close family.

OA, it's been a long time since I've spoken privately with you, but you continue to always be on my mind and in my prayers. I can't believe it's been almost a year already.

OneAccord 12-04-2008 09:57 PM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by HeavenlyOne (Post 647372)
Renda, thanks for posting your poem and the pic of your mom. I'm jealous of those with such a close family.

OA, it's been a long time since I've spoken privately with you, but you continue to always be on my mind and in my prayers. I can't believe it's been almost a year already.
Yeah, its hard for me to believe it, too. Been missing you around here. Though its been a rough year, you guys have helped me alot. You wouldn't believe how I was feeling a few short weeks ago. Those few private talks we had helped me to climb out of a hole. I'll always be grateful.

HeavenlyOne 12-04-2008 10:10 PM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by OneAccord (Post 647382)
Yeah, its hard for me to believe it, too. Been missing you around here. Though its been a rough year, you guys have helped me alot. You wouldn't believe how I was feeling a few short weeks ago. Those few private talks we had helped me to climb out of a hole. I'll always be grateful.
OA, you are a beautiful person. I hope to meet you someday.

Not at Starbucks on a couch though....LOL!

But I like Golden Corral!

OneAccord 12-04-2008 10:17 PM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by HeavenlyOne (Post 647394)
OA, you are a beautiful person. I hope to meet you someday.

Not at Starbucks on a couch though....LOL!

But I like Golden Corral!
Huh, Sis. Put your glasses on. Look at my picture. I ain't all that. We just gonna have to get some of these AFFers together and have a big meeting at Golden Corral. Sherri's gonna pick up the tab!

HeavenlyOne 12-04-2008 10:33 PM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by OneAccord (Post 647404)
Huh, Sis. Put your glasses on. Look at my picture. I ain't all that. We just gonna have to get some of these AFFers together and have a big meeting at Golden Corral. Sherri's gonna pick up the tab!
My friend, true beauty isn't measured by what's seen on the outside. ;)

I'm all for Sherri picking up the tab. She's loaded!

MawMaw 12-04-2008 11:07 PM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
What a precious thread. I sure miss my mama and daddy this time of year too.

George 12-05-2008 12:33 AM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Renda, the sting of losing a parent never goes away but it is soothed knowing my dad is in a better place. Thanks for the heartfelt post.

George 12-05-2008 12:36 AM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by tstew (Post 647178)
I know that there are times when this forum catches some heat from people, and I know that there are those who question a lot about the members here. However, everytime I run into a thread like this and see the Christ-like reactions and the apparent love and concern, I am reminded of why I'm here in the first place.
AFF is much like a big family. We fuss, feud, tattle, brag, let off steam, and blow smoke but the bottom line is we do love and care about each other.

Jermyn Davidson 12-05-2008 01:41 AM
Re: My First Christmas In Heaven
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by George (Post 647536)
AFF is much like a big family. We fuss, feud, tattle, brag, let off steam, and blow smoke but the bottom line is we do love and care about each other.
Even me George? :)


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