CHRISTMAS TIME

 

LOVE GROWS AT CHRISTMAS TIME 🎶

- One Voice Children's Choir 

(Song shared from the Choir's YT page.)

GRIEF TEACHES US LESSONS FOR LIFE ✍️

 

(Was reminded of this old post today. I wrote this 7 years ago, on 20th October '2018, just a little over a month, after my Mum passed away.

Maybe, it will help another person who reads this post, to find strength in times of prolonged sicknesses in the family; or help someone deal with their own tragic losses of loved ones, and with the unbearable pain that we all feel, during and after the death of people, who matter to us. Hopefully, it will just encourage us to try and be grateful anyway, even when it is very, very difficult.)

It's easy to have a positive outlook, when everything goes well, and when life is filled with joyful moments. 

The real challenge is to try and keep smiling,

- when there is absolutely no reason to,

- when the situations in life cause your world, to come crashing down all around you,

- when you don't know how you're going to get through, the long road ahead,

- and when your pain is so intense, that it leaves you completely heart-broken.😪

It's always a struggle to smile through the tears and hard times, when a family member is sick or when we lose them forever; because those are the times, when it is easiest to give up on everything, and to feel completely dejected, lost and upset.

Somehow though, that same God who created us and who knows every falling tear, is always there, in the form of people who care;

- to make sure that he fills us, with the courage and strength to face the future, 

- to keep moving ahead,

- and to keep living life, one moment at a time, without worrying about, what the uncertain future may have in store for us.

The greatest gift I ever received in life, was the 'Gift of a Family', and the struggles we faced together, all through our journey; because it was those very trials and difficulties, that taught me these important lessons, which will stay with me forever. I will always be Thankful to God for that.🙏😊

TWO STEPS FORWARD, ONE STEP BACKWARD

 

An old friend asked me yesterday, 'Have you processed your grief? Have you got closure after your many life struggles, over all the pain and the loss of your entire family, at the young age of 38?  

Most people tend to think, that it is necessary to do this, in order to move forward in life. 

I guess, that is how everyone copes or deals with, loss and death in the family. Forget all about it gradually, cover it up by making new memories everyday, bury the pain underground, never to be seen again, enjoy every moment in life, because you haven't died yet, and you're still breathing.

That probably works, for a lot of people. But, I'm not one of those people. I could never ever, close the most significant chapters of my life, just because those people, are not physically present, on this earth anymore. 

A parent and a sibling, can never be replaced by anyone, even years and decades, after they are gone. It is absolutely impossible to fill in the gaps, left by the absence of a mother, a father and a brother.😪 From where do you get a new mother, a new father and a new brother, after they have died?💔...You just can't.😔

So, I will carry the memories of my parents and my brother with me, till the day I join them up in heaven. The happy memories, and the sad and difficult ones too. Those memories; even the painful ones, are what keep me connected to them...and I will hold on to every single one of them, 'Forever and Ever'.✨️💖

It's difficult to explain this concept to people. Even family and friends, don't really seem to understand. 

They may want to forget. I don't want to.

They may choose to move on. I never will.

...And that's how, I deal with Loss and Death.🤷🏻‍♀️

No two people process 'Grief' in the same way. Each one has their own methods. It doesn't make any one, the right or wrong way. They are just different people's 'unique techniques and coping strategies', of making sense of whatever situations, life takes them through.

I'm sharing a few videos that I've watched recently. I liked listening to these. Hopefully, they may help another person, to deal with their own challenging situations, one day at a time; even if it is, two steps forward, one step backward. 🙏

(Videos shared from various pages on YT.)

A PRAYER IN SONG 🙏🎶

 

(FB Memories reminded me today, that I have shared different versions of this song, on the 4th of October, over the years.)

Right through my life, I have always felt blessed that I was born on the Feast Day, of the person who wrote this beautiful prayer.🙏 

So many great lessons to learn, from St.Francis of Assisi.

If more people become instruments and channels of peace each day, in their own little corner.🕊🤍

If more people care for creation, think about the environment and make a few changes, every day. 🌳🌿

This earth would soon become, a better place.😊

MAKE ME A CHANNEL OF YOUR PEACE 🎶

(Videos shared from different YT pages.)

ON THE WINGS OF A DOVE 🕊🤍

 

The 2nd of October, which is the Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, is also the 'International Day of Non-Violence'.🕊

A few years ago, I discovered this beautiful song sung by one of my favourite singers, Olivia Newton-John and her daughter. 

If only every nation around the globe, would find ways in which to dialogue with one another, stop the violence and end the mindless and meaningless wars, our world would be a more peaceful and a happier place.🤍

I thought I would share this song today, at the start of the month of October.

WINDOW IN THE WALL 🎶

- Olivia Newton-John and Chloe

I also saw this video today, where the Pope prays for collaboration between different religious traditions, to help people realise that we are 'One Human Family'; and that we need to work together, to bring about peace and unity, in our fragmented world. 🙏

(Videos shared from the different YT pages and I found this picture on the Internet.)

LEAVE A LIGHT ON ✍️🎶

Many years ago, a student of ours, took his own life, when he was in Class 10. He had been sitting in my classroom, earlier that morning; and in the evening, we received news that he was gone forever, just like that.😪

I will never forget what I felt on that day, and in the days and weeks after that. How much I wished, that I had spoken to him; if I had only known, what he was going through. How often I asked myself, why I hadn't been more observant, or noticed, any visible or invisible signs, or changes in his behaviour, which may have indicated, that he was troubled.

There have been a few other instances too; when I have known young people, who have taken this extreme step. And whenever, the person is someone you know, you always end up wishing, that you could have done something; just anything at all, to prevent them, from ending their life.🤷🏻‍♀️

Unfortunately, a lot of times, there are no visible signs of deep anguish, or of emotional distress or pain; because people can be extremely good at disguising, how they really feel, behind a cheerful face or talkative chatter.

Maybe the signs are there; but friends, family and people around a person like this, need to care and listen enough, to notice minor changes in behaviour, mannerisms, and to the things they say, or maybe don't even know, how to express. 

But sadly, in this world of 'Over-Connection', people are more 'Disconnected', than ever before. Everyone is so caught up, in living their own lives; that no one really takes the time to notice, when someone begins to slowly fade away into the darkness, quietly.😔

I saw the poster below, a few days ago; and discovered that the International Association for Suicide Prevention, collaborates with the World Health Organisation and the World Federation for Mental Health, to observe a day every year, on the 10th of September, called 'World Suicide Prevention Day'. 

So I thought, that I would write something about it today, just to create a little more awareness.✍️

I'm also sharing two songs, that speak about this. 

LEAVE A LIGHT ON 🎶

(Talk away the dark) 

- Papa Roach and Carrie Underwood

YOU ARE NOT ALONE 🎶

- One Voice Children's Choir

(Videos shared from various pages on YT.)

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING OVER ME ✨️💖

 

Seven years today, since that final farewell,

How quickly the days and months, have turned into years.😔

But at every step of the way, each minute of every day, 

Your presence and affection, this daughter's heart longs for, through her tears.😪

Miss you Always and Forever.🤗❤️

A MOTHER'S LOVE ✨️💖🎶

- Jim Brickman (One Voice Children's Choir)

LULLABY (GOODNIGHT MY ANGEL) ✨️💖🎶

- Christina Perri

(Songs shared from different pages on YT.)

MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS ✨️💖

 

No one could ever take the place of a 'Mother', in the life of her 'Daughter'.😪

In a week, when there is an absolute fruit salad of a million flashbacks and questions, floating around in my mind; these lovely 'Mother-Daughter' songs, made me smile, for a little while.✨️💖

FOREVER MY LITTLE GIRL 🎶

A LETTER TO MY DAUGHTER 🎶

A MOTHER LIKE YOU 🎶

(Songs shared from various pages on YT.)

WHAT FRIENDS ARE SUPPOSED TO DO 🎶

The One Voice Children's Choir just shared this song, a few days ago on their YT page. I like this Choir and have been listening to their cover versions of songs, for many years.

COUNT ON ME 🎶

- One Voice Children's Choir 

If you ever forget, how much you really mean to me,

Every day I will, remind you.

You can 'Count on Me', like 1 2 3

I'll Be There;

Cause that's what 'Friends' are supposed to do.😊💕

I'm also sharing the lyric video of the original song.

- Bruno Mars 

(Video shared from the YT pages of the singer and choir.)

LIFE AND DEATH ✍️

 

I read a post last night, which shared an unbelievable experience, of a person who had to recently undergo a heart surgery, due to serious blocks, even though he had always been doing all the right things, to stay healthy, whether it was fitness, food or habits. 

Thankfully, he discovered that something was wrong, in time; and could take corrective medical action immediately...and hopefully, he will now recover and get better slowly.🙏

But this is not the first time, that I have heard about a person, experiencing a 'completely unexpected thunderbolt' or 'health scare' like this, in their lives. One, that seemed to have appeared suddenly, out of nowhere. 

A little less than 2 years ago, another friend, who was also just 50 years old, and was just as conscious about his health and fitness, had an almost similar experience. 

Sadly, he wasn't as lucky; and passed away, just a few days, after tests revealed the blocks in his arteries. His condition couldn't be reversed, even after a medical procedure; to the complete shock and disbelief, of everyone who knew him.

He was another person, who had always been conscious about health and fitness; and yet, he couldn't prevent this from happening.

At times like these, when even doctors and heart surgeons, find it difficult to offer explanations, as to what could have caused such extreme health conditions, in people who actually seemed to consciously look after their health; it becomes difficult to understand, how these things could happen to anyone, without any warning.🤔

In my many years, of looking after sick parents; I have done extensive reading and research, about health related issues, food, nutrition and other similar topics. In the process, I have become more aware and learned a lot, about how lifestyle, stress, sleep, emotions, food, nutrition, gut health, and numerous other factors, are just as important as fitness and exercise, when we talk about overall health and well-being. 

It's true that 'Death', can never be predicted, and it often comes without a warning. I've experienced that enough of times in my own life, to know that anything can happen to anyone, at anytime. Unexpected sicknesses and unforseen incidents, can cause people to just disappear from our lives forever, in a moment.😔

Very often, even when we think we are doing all the right things, we still experience 'health scares', even among young and healthy people. We try our best to take care of everything, that we think we know; but there is always so much, that we are not really aware of, that could be happening silently, on the inside, causing irreversible damage to our health.

Making little conscious and long term 'Lifestyle Changes', and focusing on our 'Emotional Well-Being', does make a difference to our health, to a large extent. I have discovered that for myself, over the last 10 or 15 years. 

But at the same time, when you have watched so many people in your family die, you also become aware of the fact, that 'Death' is one thing, that we can never really predict. It could happen to any of us, at any time; and no one or nothing could stop it, even if we tried.

So, 'One Day at a Time. 

One Moment at a Time.'

The only way to live this uncertain, unpredictable 'Life'. That's what my own experiences, have always taught me. This Life that we've been blessed with, is a Gift to us anyway. We just don't know, how long it will last.🤷🏻‍♀️✍️

PRAYING IN SONG 🙏🎶

 

Gospel based songs offer so much Comfort and Strength. They bring a different kind of Peace and Calm, whenever we listen to them.🕊🤍

For me, Prayer is more like conversations with God, at anytime and anywhere; and listening to beautiful songs like these.🙏

STILL / BE STILL AND KNOW 🎶

- Don Moen

JUST PRAY 🙏🎶

- Shawna Edwards

(Videos shared from the YT pages of the musicians.)

THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS ✍️

 

(An old post, that I wrote on FB, 9 years ago on this day.

It's nice to read these 'Reflections about Life', that I had written a long time ago, once again, after a gap of many years.)

11th August '2016 ✍️

Life is full of many twists and turns along the way. Some of those, we are prepared for; but some crop up so unexpectedly, that they sometimes take us completely by surprise.

When these sudden turn of events are happy ones, they absolutely make our day; and we can't help but Smile, from ear to ear. 

However occasionally, these unexpected twists, could result in a lot of sadness, hurt and pain.

Overcoming these hurdles, that come our way in life though, just takes a little bit of Acceptance, Forgiveness and the ability to Smile; even though we know, that it would have been better, if life had turned out differently.

Here's hoping, we are always prepared, to 'Expect the Unexpected' and are blest with the Gift of Acceptance, no matter how difficult the situation may be. ✍️

(These are a couple of quotes, that I had found online, during the pandemic. I posted them, 6 years ago on this day.

I had shared these, just as 'Motivational Thoughts' for myself, and for anyone else who may have needed it, at that very strange time, which everyone struggled to get through. 

I guess, it's always thought-provoking to read quotes like these again, whenever you're reminded of them.) 🤔

11th August '2020  

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY ✨️💖

 

(Was reminded of this old post today. I found this song on this day, two years ago, and wrote this post, on the 10th of August '2023. 

I loved it, because I identified with all the experiences, that people spoke about, in this video.)

These little sharings, interspersed with this lovely song, from those who have experienced how Cancer invades the lives, of not just the person, but their entire family; are what make this song, so much more meaningful. 

It was very special to hear different people, speaking about their 'Support System' and the 'Care-Givers', who were always there, and who loved them through it all.✨️💖

I'M GONNA LOVE YOU THROUGH IT 🎶

- Martina McBride

I'm also sharing another song, which I discoved some time ago. It is composed by a musician, who writes scripture based Biblical songs, mostly for children. I like many of her songs; and this one, has such beautiful and comforting lyrics. 

It somehow, also matches the previous song; as there is strength in knowing, that through every struggle in life, 'God Knows' what we are experiencing. 'He Knows exactly how we feel'; and He constantly accompanies us, on our journey.🙏🌈

HE KNOWS 🎶

- Shawna Edwards

(Videos shared from the YT pages of the singer and musician.)

YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER 🎶

 

GOODNESS OF GOD 🎶

- CeCe Winans 

HE NEVER SLEEPS 🎶

- Don Moen

(Videos shared from the singer's YT pages.)

LIV ON ✨️💖

 

(Olivia Newton John left this world on the 8th of August '2022. She was one of my favourites; and on the day she died, I found this song. 

I have shared it before, here also; but I read these two old FB Memories today, written on this day, back in 2022 and 2023. 

So, I'm sharing the song again, with those old posts today.) 

9th August '2022 ✍️

'Love is all we leave when we are gone,

Shining like the words of this song.

In every heart of those we touch,

In every dream that means so much.

Live on'.💕

Hadn't heard this song by oLIVia newtON john before.

It has such beautiful, beautiful words🙂(which I have shared below, for anyone who wants to read them.)

I know how going through or being around, a person with an illness like Cancer, takes you through experiences and teaches you 'Lessons for Life', which you can never, ever forget. So, I can identify with every word of this song so much; and I know, many others will too.

What a lovely and special song to leave behind!

I think she will 'LIV ON' in many memories and in many hearts.❤❤️❤️

Cancer takes people through many highs and lows. I think this song was created, at one of the good stages of her journey.

It's a heart-breaking, yet uplifting song, both at once.💔🌈

LIV ON ✨️💖🎶

- Olivia Newton John, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Amy Sky

9th August '2023 ✍️

I found this song last year, on the day Olivia Newton-John passed away, and thought it was such an uplifting song for her to have recorded; during all the struggles she had been through.🎶️ 

People respond and react to pain, emotional losses and long struggles with sickness, in different ways. 

I guess through these songs, that she recorded in the last few years of her life, it was as if she was consciously leaving lots of positive messages behind, for everyone to listen to, after she was gone.✨️

I shared this song on that day too; and exactly a year later, I thought of it again. I think it's a beautiful song.❤️

(Song Lyrics) ✍️🎶

oLIVia newtON john❤

I'm wakin' up this morning
Grateful for the gift of one more day,
The light of hope is dawning,
It fills my heart and lifts my fears away.

Sometimes there's a 'miracle', just beyond the pain;
You can see the 'rainbow' in the rain.

Live on!
Live on!
Brighter skies will come again,
Cry the tears you cry,
And then LIVE ON.

Live on!
Love is all we leave, when we are gone
LIVE ON.

We've shared so much together,
Think of all the mountains we have climbed.
Sorrow, joy and laughter,
Woven thru' the tapestry of time.

Even as we're letting go,
We will not lose faith;
All the precious memories we've made.

Live on!
Live on!
In the hearts of those we touch,
All the dreams inside of us,
LIVE ON.

Live on!
Love is all we leave, when we are gone;
LIVE ON.

You've got to LIVE
You've got to LIVE ON.

Live on!
Live on!
More than just survive, my friend,
Or learning how to drive,
And then LIVE ON.

Live on!
Shining like the words inside this song.
LIVE ON.

Live on!
LOVE is all we leave when we are gone;
LIVE ON.

In every heart of those we touch,
In every dream, that means so much.
LIVE ON
Yes I believe that all of us,
LIVE ON.✨️💖

(Videos shared from ONJ's YT page.)

IF ONLY IN MY DREAMS ✨️💖

 

If there is one thing, that I have wished for most of all, right through my life, it has always been, 'I wish my Brother was still here with me'.💔

It is 'Raksha Bandhan' tomorrow, and everywhere you look, there are ads and reminders about the beauty and wonder of 'Sibling relationships'.

I lost my own brother, when I was only 10 years old, in a sudden and completely unexpected road accident. So, for close to four decades since then, I have longed for him to still be a part of my life, almost every single day.😪

I guess, in some way, he has always been around; because I constantly remind everyone who knows me, about him all the time, whenever I get a chance. Sharing old photographs of him, is just my way of making sure, that the people in my life, never forget him.✨️💖

When I was growing up, there was this one song, from an old Hindi movie, that always reminded me of my brother, and always made me cry, every time I heard it somewhere...It still does, even now.😔

It is an evergreen Hindi song, that a brother sings to his sister. So, someone or the other, always shares it again, during this time. I found one of those newer videos today.

EK HAZAARON MEIN, MERI BEHNA HAIN 😪💔🎶

...and this is another song that I love. Probably, if my brother and my parents were still around, they would say things like this to me, to encourage me and to make me feel supported, whenever I needed it. 

Since they aren't around anymore, I can only listen to a song like this; and while I imagine them singing it to me, I just encourage myself. 

I guess, that's what people, who weren't given much of a choice, in the way their life turned out, do.🤷🏻‍♀️

I HOPE YOU DANCE 🎶❤️

- Ronan Keating

(Videos shared from various YT pages.)

JUST A LITTLE KINDNESS 🤍🌈

 

KINDNESS BOOMERANG 🎶

BE KIND 🎶

- Jason Gray

(Videos shared from various pages on YT and the pictures are taken from the internet.)

WHERE NO ONE STANDS ALONE 🙏

 

I often see pictures shared on friend's pages, that I identify with, because they are very close to what I think and feel.

These are a few, that I have saved, just because I like reading them again occasionally. 

Coping and dealing with 'Grief', and the multiple emotions and feelings of emptiness, loneliness, being completely overwhelmed by life, and everything else that comes with it, is extremely challenging, for anybody.

Each person finds their own unique ways, to cope and keep going, despite the pain. 

For most people, it becomes a 'One day at a time' kind of situation, forever, after the death of someone in their family, who they loved dearly.

...and there really is no time-frame, when it comes to coping with 'grief and pain'.😔

I think, that the world would be a better place, if everyone simply tried to help one another, to get through each day, in little ways everyday.🤍🌈

(Pictures shared from various pages on the Internet.)

THEIR MEMORY LIVES ON...✨️💖

 

(A FB Memory from this day, 8 years ago, 29th July '2017.) 😔

'I touch the future - I teach'.

What a day this has been! 

Earlier this morning,I heard that one of my teachers from St.Xavier's College, Ma'am Eunice de Souza passed away; and even before the day has drawn to a close, I received news that one of my teachers who taught me in Class X, Sir Devtosh Theckedath had also breathed his last today. 

On one day, the world has lost two amazing and special teachers. 

Both these teachers, touched my life during my years as a student; and even though, their passing away today, leaves me with a heavy heart, I thank God for blessing me with wonderful teachers like them, when I was a student. They have touched my life and the lives of countless others like me. 

I celebrate the 'Gift of Teachers' like them, to this world. They will always be missed and thought of very fondly.✨️💖

HOW THEY LINGER! 😪💔

 

(I wrote this three years ago on FB, on this day - 27th July '2022.

I guess 'Parents Day', like every other occasion or festive time of the year, always makes me miss my Family, so much more, than I do every single day.💔

Life continues, only because I'm still breathing; but the meaninglessness of it all, makes absolutely no sense to me.)😪

10, 30 and then, at almost 39;

Three significant moments,

Spanning three decades...

...They still linger on.😔

Two, sudden and unexpected,

One, close to nine years in time;

But one common thread...

...They still linger on.😪

Each moment, a unique struggle,

The last one, the hardest of the lot.

Every day, through every smile...

...They still linger on.💔

Going back, takes just a second,

Just about anything, a reminder.

Some moments, you can't forget...

...They still linger on.✨️

Unhappily Happy, Sadly Cheerful,

More people share this, than you know;

Through every mask, every disguise...

...They still linger on.💖✍️