There’s a little red horse, she sits on a platform that makes her spin, as she plays pretty music. This horse has been in my family for quite some years. My grandma always sat her out every Christmas and I have always loved watching her. Though now, more than ever. Over the years she has not worked much; though tonight she plays beautifully, as she spins around, as though she had never stopped. Just like when I was a child.

 I miss my grandma a lot and I think of her often; I was close with her. I do not know that we ever stop grieving our loved ones, we just grieve different through time. Tonight, I found some peace though in a little red horse, that turns to the sound of a beautiful melody.

Friend, I know that grieving loved ones is hard. I know that sometimes holidays are harder without them. I know the value of loved ones though, because I know the sting of a loved one’s absence. I know that my grandma loved Christmas, and I do too. I know that what I have left in her absence, is the memories of all the past Christmas’ stored inside my heart. I know that this Christmas and always, I will cherish all those in whom still remain.

Though we must carry on without those in which have passed, we must hang tighter to those that still remain. Friend, if this holiday season makes you think even more about those who have now since passed; I pray you find joy in all the people around you, that you love and cherish.  While hanging onto all the memories of what your past gave you.

Those we cherish in life are gifts from God, may we hang tight to them. Building as many memories as we can. For those whom pass before we do; may we hang onto what they gave us, what remains after they are gone. Until we see them again someday.

Loved ones are gifts, that God has generously gifted us, may we love well.

The little red horse, played her song, as she danced in a circle; as the memory of my grandma danced in my mind. Even in my grief; I was left with joy and gratitude, from the blessing of having loved her. For love lasts forever.

Erin Fitts-Brower

1 John 4:7-8 NIV

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Revelation 21:4 NIV

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”