Quiet and still,
before the family is up,
I turn the lights on
the Christmas tree
and sit in its cheery glow.
I wrap myself all up
in the soft blanket of Love
and feel Her enveloping
the world in peace and hope.

I sip my lemon ginger tea
with honey, and contemplate
Christmases past when the sons
were youngsters, and my parents
were still with us.
Yesterday I was feeling sad
about the absence of parents
and friends who’ve gone on –
but in this moment I feel them
still with me and I hug them all
in my thoughts and smile
at their still-nearness.

Love is never lost.
All the good of then
is still with me here.
Karen Molenaar Terrell