Is it possible? Have I survived Christmas? Not the birth of the Christ Child but the true reality of not being with any of our extended family for the actual holiday of Christmas Eve and Christmas? The pain of loss surrounds me. The pain of losing those I love engulfs me. How many will not be around next year at this time? I, myself, do not fear the "going." I do suffer so greatly for those who are going and who have gone this year and the years preceding this one. The pain is great. God in His infinite wisdom with love and grace reached his hand to the earth and protected me from the hurt that could have touched me today. The warmth of His love and caring were with me. God's angels touched me on this planet. Still my very soul hurts for those who will not longer be within my grasp. My humaneness will not allow me to understand it, thus the pain. Thank you, God, for this day. Thank you for sunshine and spending time with my dear husband. Thank you for children who call, for the blessing of hearing their voices. Thank you, God, for friends who answer your call to love their neighbor and reach out. Thank you for churches and beautiful Christmas Eve services. Thank you, God, for your precious son, Jesus. He is truly the Gift of Christmas!