This Christmas, Put a Light in Your Window To Remember

Thanksgiving is over and this morning I am alone in the house with my thoughts. I am pulling out all the Christmas decorations and my heart is full for those I love. But this morning, my heart also aches for family and families who have recently known unbelievable loss. I want to do something, say something to try to help. There is so little that can be done except to love these families and to whisper their names to God.

So today, as I decorate my house, I will place a light in the window. I just have a little battery powered candle, but I hope that the light carries. I hope it shines up to the heavens to say "I remember." Every night, I will turn that little light on and remember so many dear ones.

I hope you will do this too.

My light will be shining tonight. My light says that I remember Kaitlyn, Christian and Nathaniel Novak, my cousin Greg's three grandchildren who died in a fire this month in Texas. My light says I remember the loss of Cody Hickey and my light shines not for the act that took Cody's life, but for who he was and the unending love of his family and friends, that remains. My light shines for the my dear friend Shannon's family who lost their dear Tiffany in a car wreck.

There are days that I wonder if my life matters at all, if I make a difference...but when you stop and think about it, these lives are all connected and each one is so important to all. So remember our soldiers and their sacrifices, remember your loved ones and hug the ones you have here with you tighter than ever. Think before you speak and take time to express what is in your heart.


I want my light to say I love you and I remember. It shines brightly for those dearest to me. Tonight my heart remembers my father in law, my grandparents, my dear Uncle Bob, my aunt Judy and Jackie Nation who taught me so much.

The light shines my little ones Alexandra, Lucas and Malachi.

And always, always, my light shines for you dear Gabriel. Gabe, you are always in my heart. Every butterfly I see reminds me of you.

Let the light shine.