A Few Words for Christmas

[Troutfisher]

With Christmas on us already, we all have things we'd like to have and things that we are receiving. This Christmas season has been one of the busiest and most productive for my family. However, never take anything for granted. My cousin's husband, Jeremy, and two of his children of a previous marriage were killed by a drunk driver a few days back. A drunk got on the wrong way on the interstate, along with his drunken friend, and went only a mile before he slammed into them. They (Jeremy and kids) had done nothing wrong, and were headed to, of all places, a Nativity at my grandparents Church. Now my older cousin and her three little children won't have much of a Christmas this year. Thank God the Lord Jesus Christ was born on Christmas, and was crucified on a cross so that we could be forgiven of our sins. Jeremy had turned his life around and was a dedicated Christian, as was his kids.

Always remember the true meaning of Christmas, and whenever you feel overwhelmed with the pressures of buying, gift wrapping, writing cards, etc., take time to step back and be thankful for what you have. Tomorrow is never promised, so always take time to tell your loved ones you care about them.

Merry Christmas,

Aaron

"Troutfisher"

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Word.  You can never say it enough.

[Grey Wolf]

AMEN !

[Bass XL]

you are so right

[Troutfisher]

Thanks guys.  I attended the funeral this evening at my grandparent's church.  It was good, and very touching.  One of my little cousins, Abby, came up while a man was singing an inspirational song, and went up to her mom (Jeremy's wife).  She was visibly sad, and it brought tears to my eyes.  It helps to know that he and the two children are in a better place.

[RiskKid.]

Will be sayin a prayer for you and your family......you are a wise young man troutfisher and a credit to the forum. I hope ya'll will still find some joy during the Holiday. Hang in there young man.

[Fishin49er]

You couldn't have said it better.  My stepdad's (really like a father to me) brother just passed away.  His wife went to church and he stayed home because he wasn't feeling well and when she returned he didnt have a pulse.  It was a huge suprise to everyone and really opened my eyes.  It really tore up my stepdad, as this was his second brother that has passed and both of them for unknown reasons.  Really makes you appreciate things when you realize things can be gone in the blink of an eye. Like Troutfisher said always remember the true meaning of Christmas and also when things get rough in life just think 99 times out of 100 they could be worse.

[John J.]

AMEN! I wish you and your family a safe and happy Merry Christmas and a awesome New Year!

I've had a trajedy before...it was after New Years eve of the year 2001 (matter of fact a few days after) my Grandma was heading home with my Aunt Pat (Mom's sister; grandma's daughter...you get the picture) anyway, they had come over to our house for the New Years and we celebrated. On their way back to Georgia (where they lived) my grandma suffered a heart attack not an hour after they left!  :'( :-/

They instantly brought grandma to the hospital and she died that night. Once the news hit me I was devistated! It's been 6 years now and I can still remember staying up with grandma to watch the New Year... :'(

For those who have had trajedies happen on certain holidays; just like Aaron had stated always be thankful on Christmas, and instead of looking on a certain holiday as a gruesome reminder of the past, look at the holiday as a reminder of the beloved memory of that person(s) and the great times you had with them.

Even though it's been 6 years, I still feel upset over the loss, but then when I step back and realize that the Grandma is with jesus and god, it brings a smile upon my heart to know that she is being taken care of and that she, jesus and god are looking upon me and watching everything I do; good or bad. They are always guiding me to what's right and they always are there when I am alone.

Folks, enjoy your Christmas and Happy New Year! Be thankful for what you've got and for everything the great lord Jesus sacrificed for you!

Have a safe and Merry Christmas! and a Joyful New Year!

~John~

[Guest the_muddy_man]

Amen and God bless you. I have had the blessing of helping a few close friends through tradgegies over the Holidays nothing is more in the spirit of Christmas than lending a helping hand to people in trouble. To me the most important person in the Christmas Story(other than Jesus) is the Anonymous Innkeeper who gave refuge to the homless couple

,Joseph and Mary. So for me the holidayis always highlighted by a simple humble and unconditional act of care and concern for someone in pain or need MERRY CHRISTMAS

[Troutfisher]

Thanks for all the kind and thoughful words and advice, guys.  Everyone here is really helpful and gives needed encouragement and advice when it is needed.

Will be sayin a prayer for you and your family......you are a wise young man troutfisher and a credit to the forum. I hope ya'll will still find some joy during the Holiday. Hang in there young man.

I will, and thanks for the prayers.

God Bless and Merry Christmas, everyone.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Merry Christmas to you, young 'un. I am impressed with the maturity of the younger crowd in this community.

While I am not religious, I admire your devotion to your faith even after being dealt a very serious blow to your family.

Stay well and happy holidays.

Wayne

[Fatman1267MM]

Also, please be supportive of those who have dealt with tragedy during the holiday season, no matter how long ago the event took place.  2 years ago my cousin shot himself Dec. 26th.  He was never able to deal with the holidays since his wife and daughter died in a car wreck on dec. 20th about 25 years ago, and his son died in a car wreck on dec. 21st about 22 years ago.  So please look out for them, the holidays are always a hard time.

[Glenn]

Grief during the holidays is always amplified.  That is good advice, Fatman.  Some people find it comforting to acknowledge the loss by having an empty chair at the table for Christmas dinner.  That way, they are there in our hearts when they can't be in person.

May all of you have a Christmas to remember.  And take the time to be thankful for being able to spend past holidays with those you have lost, and cherish tomorrow with those that you do.

[Troutfisher]

Thanks for all the advice, guys, and I recommend everyone to follow it.  Good night, and Merry Christmas, everyone.  

[justfishin]

Amen. Nice words. I lost my best friend two weeks ago and it hurts. I think time and remembering the good times is all that will help and knowing that she is in a better place. Our faith keeps us going. Without it, there is nothing.

[Water Dog]

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year! Stories like those in this post remind us that these these moments are precious and that we are celebrating the birth of the Christchild. I passed a funeral procession while I was on the way to pick up some food for our party and really felt sad for those people. Christians know that death is just the beginning for those who Believe in Jesus and this helps us through these times.

My neighbor, Chip, just got back from hunting in Canada a few days ago and today he is in the hospital likely waiting on a bypass operation. He has a couple of young children and we need to pray for him and all of those like him and be thankful for the gift of Jesus.

Precious Memories How They Linger......

Family memories become more precious every passing year.

May GOD BLESS You All !!!!