Loss, Chrstmas tough time of year...

This time of year is a bit tough for me and very emotional. The memories all came flooding back yesterday as I got a tough call from my mom yesterday, Sunday December 20th. I had just gotten home from church and my mom called, asked where I was and what I was doing. I was at home, getting ready to wrap some presents. At that moment my mom said, I have some tough news to tell you... Matthew Quayle passed away last night. I grew up with Matt, he was like my younger brother. His older sister Meisha is my best friend. We have known each other since I was a toddler. Meisha and I would get the same things for Christmas, matching outfits in Kindergarten. Matt and my younger brother were good friends as well. I remember one Christmas when Matt bit me in the back and got spanked by his dad all the way down the hall. The summer's where we teamed up and Meisha and I would hide in the house and lock all of the doors and Matt and Chad would have to find a way into the house, the trips to Lagoon, Raging Waters and the Homestead... Matt you will be missed.

Why is this time of year tough... It all began on December 10, 2002 when my best friend Meisha was killed in Washington State. That year I got the most beautiful Christmas card with a boondoggle lizard, that she had made. I still have it. On January 6, 2003 my Grandma Carroll passed away. This was expected, but it didn't make it any easier. On December 23, 2004 my Grandpa Carroll passed away. He was buried on December 27th. My dad told my mom he was filing for divorce on January 4, 2005, 7 days after her father was buried and now Matt passing away December 19, 2009.

Yes thi is a very tough time of year, but also a glorious time of year where we get to celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ, who has made it possible by his life for me to see my loved ones that have passed on again.

Please remember the reason for the season.