I must confess that it’s been hard for me to get into the Christmas spirit this year. Sometimes it feels as though I’m just going through the motions. This is the first Christmas Emeril won’t be here to celebrate with me.
The most handsome cat in the world (and now Heaven) isn’t here to approve the gifts I buy or the treats I make. I feel a little lost without him. He’s not here to meow his disapproval when I force him to wear his Santa hat or reindeer ears.
At the same time, I know how fortunate I am to have had ten amazing years with Emeril, and how lucky I am to have Mighty Max in my life now. He is quickly becoming a Mama’s boy, and I sure do love to indulge him. He doesn’t seem to mind it either.
Normally, I write a holiday story featuring Emeril. As much as I’m looking forward to carrying on that tradition with Max, it didn’t feel right to do it this year. Too soon. We honor those we lost by carrying on favorite traditions and creating new ones, which I plan to do next year. But this year, it feels right to instead share a simple Christmas Wish for you, me and the World.
In a world with so much darkness and turmoil, it is easy to let hope slip away and add your voice to the mass of discontentment. Please let love in, guiding all your actions, words and thoughts and give the world a beacon of light.
I will be that light. Won’t you too?
As the travesty at Sandy Hook Elementary School unfolded last Friday, the pity party I’d been throwing for myself seemed unbelievably petty and unhelpful as the world cried out in anguish.
I cannot even begin to fathom the pain of those affected directly by this, and my prayers and thoughts are with you.
Heaven received 26 beautiful angels that day who are watching over you and all of us.
Peace be with you.