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As time passes and family dynamics change, many of us face challenges in finding joy in our forever-changing lives, especially during the holidays for those who have lost a loved one.

For those who have lost someone we love – it is important that others understand that though death may have taken our loved one’s physical body from us– they remain forever with us in our hearts and our memories. We learn that grief is a journey and will take as long as it takes. We also know that we can make it through today, tomorrow, and the next day by sharing our lives with those who remain and accepting love from our family and friends.

During the holiday season and any time of the year when you know someone is grieving, pray for them, encourage them, listen to them, and find time to spend with them. Please make every effort to be available to discuss their loss with them, be open-minded, and do not judge, for they are finding their “new normal,” one day at a time.

During these last few days before Christmas, and as much as we enjoy our Christmas festivities, may we remember the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas is about a world that was dark and needed a Savior. Christmas is about hope and faith that one day, our world will know true peace and all our heartaches will be over because God sent His Son into the world.

We wish each of you this Christmas to be merry and blessed with health, prosperity, peace, joy, and God’s eternal love.

Remember, in hospice, we genuinely believe, “There’s no place like home for the holidays.” Author unknown

— Vickie C. Wacaster is a Patient and Hospice Advocate for Aveanna Hospice (formerly Comfort Care Hospice).