Thank you Amanda for opening your heart. You are absolutely helping others & reminding us how important reaching out to others is especially during the holiday season. đâ€ïž#Repost @amandaquinn__
ă»ă»ă»
Several years ago, someone mentioned in casual conversation that they hated the holiday season because it made them depressed. I remember sitting there fumbling for the right words because I couldnât relate to what they were experiencing. Filling the silence with some sort of platitude or cliche quote, Iâm sure I made the effort to change the subject. The holidays were something I looked forward to, counted down to even and I just couldnât grasp the negative feelings they had associated to them. How could such a joyful time make you sad?
Last Thanksgiving was the first time I wasnât looking forward to a holiday, especially a holiday of thanks. It was our first without Leighton and while we were pregnant with Riley, I still felt numb. Gratitude is an easy thing to have when life is going your way. But we were still in the thick of our grief and reaching for things to be grateful for. I would repeat over and over again how thankful I was to be pregnant again, how happy I was to have Riley. And I meant it, God did I mean it, but I was still sad.
And I am still sad. Tomorrow will be our second Thanksgiving without Leighton here and the pain is still very present. I now know that many people have mixed emotions surrounding the holidays. If you know someone who may but hurting or struggling tomorrow, reach out. Donât change the subject like I did years ago. Let them talk about the things theyâve been waiting for someone to ask about, it may help ease the heaviness of the day.
Picture of my girls the closest they will get to one another, this side of heaven. #rileycrew #rainbowbaby #letterstoleighton