Despite the sadness in the world…

Life can be sad.

In an instant we were witnesses to just how sad the world can be.

We turned to our loved ones and asked “how can someone do this?” Our thoughts are heavy as we wonder “what if that happened to us?” “How could we function?” “What are they going through”? “What can I do to ease the pain”?

Do this:

Love each other without judgement. In that one act of violence comes the overwhelming need to feel love and compassion for those around us. Don’t let that love waver. Don’t let it falter. Don’t let time erase what we want more than anything in the world; to feel like we matter.

Don’t judge your worth by the presents you’re putting under the tree but rather by the love you give unconditionally. Don’t judge your worth by the never ending holiday parties you attend, but rather by the friendships you cultivate with a simple “hey how about a cup of coffee together”.

If you have teachable moments: teach. We’re all caring, loving , smart people that have a lot to offer to the littlest of two-leggers just learning about the world in which they live. Never forget that they too are full of their own teachable moments…

Hug often.

Stop and look around.

Climb everything.

Get muddy.

Hold hands.

This is my second Christmas here in Halifax. This time last year I thought for sure I would have my permanent residency card and that I’d be working. I daydreamed about the gifts I’d be able to buy for family here and the gifts I’d be able to send back home. This past year has been one long teachable moment for me. Instead of the most expensive gift I can think of, I’m pouring my heart into making gifts with my hands. I try to tell myself that they are just as wonderful as anything I could buy in a store. The hours I spent thinking about each person as I crafted chocolates, almond butter, magnets are more important than the hours I would have spent being cranky in lines much too long, in stores much too crowded.

This year I’ll be able to finally facetime with my beautiful niece (thanks to a much needed upgrade on her phone) on Christmas morning. I know I’ll cry because I miss her so much but in those tears will be love that she’ll feel from far away and that’s the best gift I could give her.

Waking up with Mimi by my side on our second Christmas together will bring a peace to my soul that I’ve long searched for. Being with her family that is now my family will bring an acceptance that I’m grateful for each and every day. I try not to sum up my worth in the gifts that I can’t buy but rather in the love that I give freely to them, to my friends and to the person next to me as I wish them a heart felt “Merry Christmas”.

In a time of much sadness, I remember my world is filled with much love.

I will revel in it and hope that it will reach far and beyond.

(to you)