The Chair Across From Mine

The Chair Across From Mine

 

 His chair across from mine

at the holiday table

will not be empty.

Someone will take his place,

though only in that respect.

Even the Manufacturer does not offer 

identical replacements. 

My youngest son was, is,

though much like his dad,

uniquely himself.

 

 On this new season

of firsts, of loss,

 despite the loving family

that will come together

to celebrate the blessings

uniquely our own,

and the God who gave them,

we will be as full and empty

at our holiday table

as the chair across from mine.

 

 

   After sharing my concerns about not seeing Tracy in his usual place across the table at our holiday dinners, our Griefshare group had some good suggestions--sit in a different chair/ask someone specific to sit there, tell them why/sit in Tracy's chair myself. So simple. So practical. So far from my own thoughts. So glad I brought it up with people who understand.