STARTING NEW TRADITIONS

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Submitted Date 08/07/2019
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As I wrote yesterday, today is my son's birthday. He will be celebrating it yet again in heaven. I have decided this year to do something different. Something more for me than for him, but to celebrate his birthday, none the less.

Our family has pictures of my son all over the house as a way to keep him alive in our hearts, always. This has served as a way for my younger children to know their brother who passed before they were born. Looking at these pictures last night gave me an idea of a wonderful way to celebrate Israel's birthday.

So, here is my idea. I am going to have a birthday party as a celebration of the things we remember about Israel. I will have each of my children that knew him, talk about their favorite things to do or about their brother. In this way we will all get to relive the joy that he brought into our lives, as well as, giving the younger three a way to know who their brother was through our memories.

I am choosing joy over sadness this year. I am choosing faith over regret. I am going to live today as if my son were here with us, as I know he truly is in our hearts. I choose to be thankful for the time I had with him and to use these memories to help my family heal from his loss. While I am not saying I am not sad or that I do not miss my son with all of my heart, I am simply saying that I choose joy.

I feel like God has finally allowed me to heal the hole that has been tearing me apart for 11 years. He has given me a way to be happy while I am missing my son. So today I say I choose joy over sadness.

I don't know how well this is going to work, but I am hopeful. I will let all of you know tomorrow how it went. Maybe it can help many of you who are dealing with loss to choose to concentrate on the joy your loved ones gave you. Maybe this small gesture can start the healing process for all of us.

As always inspire to be inspired and never stop looking for the light shining in the middle of the darkness that surrounds you.

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  • Rick Doble 4 years, 7 months ago

    Much of life is tragic -- there is no getting around this. But it is up to each of us to come to terms with our tragedies and move beyond them as you have done.

    • Mary Jaimes-Serrano 4 years, 7 months ago

      I agree, Rick. Thank you for your words. I truly believe life is only what we allow it to be. We can either choose to live in sadness or make our own joy. Have a wonderful day.

  • Tanya Marion 4 years, 7 months ago

    This is beautiful, Mary. I hope the day was full of wonderful memories, love, and joy as you celebrated your sweet boy. My heart goes out to you.

    • Mary Jaimes-Serrano 4 years, 7 months ago

      Thank you, Tanya. We had a wonderful day. It was the first time in 11 years that I have smiled and had fun during these two weeks. It was hard and full of tears, but joy as well. We definitely made memories yesterday. I look forward to his next birthday to be able to continue this new tradition.