Twas the night after Christmas and I was still numb;
The holidays felt like they had not really come.
It’s hard to explain, but it didn’t seem fair,
That my child is now gone, and I cannot share
The laughter and joy of this fun holiday
In our wonderful, traditional family way.
She is not nestled all snug in her bed
With memories of another Christmas filling her head.
“Will it ever get better?” I ask in my heart,
Knowing that each year we will remain apart.
As I cry out to God full of heartache and tears,
He reminds me His presence remains very near.
And though I don’t feel a desire to celebrate
The reason to do so remains very great.
For Jesus came as a baby on earth
To give life here meaning, value and worth.
And even though I have said goodbye
And I am confused and don’t know why,
The truth remains I will see you again
And there will be no more tears or pain.
But until that day comes and it’s my turn to go
There is one thing that I certainly know,
The love that I have for you is without measure
And you remain in my heart, as a beautiful treasure.
And while dreading to go into a year that is new
I realize each day brings me closer to you.
My Christmas may not have been merry and bright,
But because Jesus came, someday, it will all be made right.
(by author Laura Diehl)
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AWARD WINNING AUTHOR, LAURA DIEHL, has written several impactful books that provide comfort and guidance to those navigating the painful journey of child loss, after the death of her own daughter in 2011. Her most acclaimed work, When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life with Hope and Healing After the Death of Your Child, has received multiple accolades, including the 2017 Gold Medal Centauri Christian Book Award for Non-Fiction and a Silver Medal in the 2018 Illumination Awards. Several of her other books have won awards as well.
In addition to her writing, Laura is an ordained minister and has an extensive background in international children’s ministry. She is a sought-after speaker and singer at grief conferences and churches, known for her compassionate approach and deep understanding of the grieving process, especially the unique loss of a child. Through her weekly award-winning podcast, her writings, and other resources provided by GPS Hope, Laura and her husband, Dave, continue to provide hope and healing to thousands of parents worldwide, helping them find light in the midst of profound loss and darkness.
For more information about Laura’s award-winning books go to gpshope.org/books.
To find out more about Laura Diehl and the ministry of Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) visit gpshope.org.
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