These pictures of our friend Stephanie and her daughter Madi (taken by my daughter, Kelsie) capture the joy most mothers have felt with their babies. I don't think a person alive would see this precious little girl and want for her to feel alone in her life. Ever.
Or less than. Or inadequate. Or unloved...
And yet, for all the love and feelings of belonging we hope for our loved ones, there are people we care for who feel inadequate, alone, and lonely more than we know.
I received a voicemail from my cousin tonight. She expressed that as she drove home after a long, hard day, she began to think of this Christmas morning. It will be the first Christmas morning in nearly two decades that she won't wake up alone. She will be spending Christmas with my family this year.
She said that as she thought about waking up with us, about having people who love her to wake up to, she began to cry. She shared the hurt she's felt, waking up alone on Christmas, and how very, very painful it's been.
Nobody should have to wake up alone on Christmas. Or worse, wake up with people around and feel alone.
The holidays are upon us. Thanksgiving is days away with the Christmas whirlwind right behind it. And while we are all so busy preparing and getting ready for these events, there are opportunities every day to connect with the "less than" place in someone's heart.
There are people in your sphere and in your home who have moments when they feel less than, inadequate, and alone.
I do. I know you do. And everyone else does too. Everyone.
I would like to offer an invitation to slow down and connect during this holiday season. This takes love. True, compassionate, selfless love. And time.
Baby Madi and I had a beautiful time together when I took care of her about a week ago. Why? Because I took time with her. I looked in her eyes, spoke with loving kindness, and connected with her. She sat on my lap and we ate together. We talked. We smiled. I was 100% with her. And when her mother came to pick her up, she was happy instead of having tear filled eyes from hours of crying while Mom was away. Which is what usually happens...
Time.
Happy Regardless #112 is Pause somebody's quiet sadness. Connect with the "less than" place in someone's heart.
Your love and time is all it takes to bring a pause to someone's feelings of quiet sadness. And yours will be paused in those moments too.
Love is funny that way. :-)
With gratitude for you, for the time you took to read this, and for the very real power of love to lift and heal us all,
Kathleen
