Sunday Musings

Parents belong to the world of the past; children belong to the world
of the future.  Both share the world of the present, but neither can enter
or fully understand the other's world and time.  It is easier to communicate across miles than across years.  We meet and laugh awhile;
we separate and grieve awhile.  And then we remember.

Joseph A. Bauer

Family means many things to different people, yet the word itself  can bring about so many feelings and  emotions from anyone who hears the word uttered.  Some of the  most important bonds are the ones we have with our family.  It is these  bonds  that remain with us as we journey through all of life's stages.  Even those of us who grew up in not so happy households  have that bond with their family.   At holiday time,  I remember time's past, and I grieve.  I grieve for what I never had and for what I have lost, because  no matter how bad we think our childhood may have been, there is always some good to remember....if we only allow ourselves to open up to it. 

These bonds are important because the family we are given is the only one we have.  And though sometimes out of anger and wrath we may behave in hurtful ways, it does not mean that we don't care for each other. Family quarrels are bitter things but are of least importance. We should not care about these few bitter memories, but rather we must think about the good memories, the times that we really felt that we mattered...letting go of the losses and sorrows.   

No, indeed, my parents were far from perfect; they made their mistakes, mistakes that damaged me in untold ways, yet, for my own peace of mind,  I have to believe that they really DID do  the best they knew how.  None of us are perfect.  And, the mistakes that they made with me taught me how to be a better parent to my own children.   

So with the holiday season once again upon us, I will remember with joy and fondness those holidays of the past, the love and comfort that I felt.  And when the pain and angst begins to set in, I will remember to let it go and rejoice.  Last night as I was going through my Christmas items, I found the following  written in one of my journals.  I wanted to share it with you today.  I guess it went into a Christmas journal lest I ever forget.  Tis the season to let it go.

To let go isn't to forget, not to think about, or ignore. It doesn't
leave feelings of anger, jealousy, or regret. Letting go isn't about
winning or losing. It's not about pride and it's not about how you
appear, and it's not obsessing or dwelling on the past. Letting go
isn't blocking memories or thinking sad thoughts, and it doesn't leave
emptiness, hurt, or sadness. It's not about giving in or giving up.
Letting go isn't about loss and it's not about defeat. To let go is
to cherish the memories, but to overcome and move on.

It is havingan open mind and confidence in the future. Letting go is learning
and experiencing and growing. To let go is to be thankful for the
experiences that made you laugh, made you cry, and made you grow.
It's about all that you have, all that you had, and all that you will
soon gain. Letting go is having the courage to accept change,
and the strength to keep moving. Letting go is growing up. It is
realizing that the heart can sometimes be the most potent remedy.
To let go is to open a door, and to clear a path and set yourself free. 

--Unknown--