Oh mighty orb, I do not feel like decorating for the holidays. Should I do it anyway?
Therapy Ball Response: "Hmmmmm"
Sometimes I am not sure what to say. Oh, I mean the Almighty Orb is not sure what to say. :eek:
I don't think that a quick joke of a response is indicated this time. I could not help but see your post in the 2013 Kris Kringle thread. Every year there is a thread about how hard the holidays are for so many members. For a variety of reasons. Loss of a family member is certainly one of the reasons. I know that it I have an acute awareness of the loss of my father 3 years ago that is more acute at Christmas.
Additionally, there have been discussions about our family responses to PTSD. Some that just don't know what they don't know. They think that people can just "get over it" and move on. I think that sometimes there is a similar response to people at Christmas. "It will get better with time", "You need to move on", etc. All of which can be well intended but hurtful none the less.
Admittedly I am not a sufferer but I will share my own thoughts and responses to my own loss. I don't know about others families but my Dad loved Christmas. He was a Pastor and cherished it for the religious meaning but also the secular traditions also. seeing the kids with Santa, etc. He faced a lot of health issues in his later years and would keep the tree up for weeks after Christmas, in case it was his last Christmas.
I am able to use the "other" cup analogy. The cup half full as opposed to half empty. I am able to continue full enjoyment with a conscious awareness of the memories I have. Again, I am fully aware that others do not have that and do not want to detract for their situations.
I guess my hope for you is that you do what you can. Part of the goal, I feel, in so many personal struggles is to find ways to cope and move forward. I hope that you can do this in any way you feel you are able to. Maybe at least
some ability to decorate and participate in the season.
I hope a hug is OK. (((((HUG)))))
ISH