The Empty Chair

If we have experienced loss, we carry that with us daily. It becomes part of our breath and as each day passes, the strain is a little less and our heavy hearts grow a bit lighter. During the holidays, however, our lost loved ones occupy the space at the forefront of our beings. They pop up there, with their warm smiles and memories of contagious laughter. They sit there, as a reminder of the love they had for us and the unique connection we shared.

People maintain different theories and beliefs about what happens to us, once we leave this earthly body. Some say we become part of the earth and creation; while others are sure we will return, to complete our unfinished work. Whatever your understanding is, I think that we can all agree that the energy of a person who has passed, a person who we spent a lifetime loving, still remains with us, long after the physical body is gone.

Love's energy is enormous and has no end. It can fill many spaces and is always with us. As we prepare for holiday festivities and find our hearts heavy anew, processing loss once more, wishing for one more embrace, one more glimpse of our dearly departed...

Breathe and remember that the empty chair at your table,  is not at all empty, rather it contains a vast energy that will never be gone. That kind of love is too grand to dissipate. Our hearts are capable of so much and hold close the memories of times before, cherish family and friends, and intrinsically know, we are never alone.