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Spiritual: December 21, 2016 Issue [#8032]

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Spiritual


 This week: Holidays and Grief
  Edited by: Shannon Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

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Welcome to the Spiritual Newsletter. My name is Shannon Author IconMail Icon and I'm your editor this week.


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

"There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief." ~ Aeschylus


Christmas is just around the corner and it's easy to get caught up in the spirit of the season, but for many, the final few months of the year bring sadness, heartache, and pain.

Unlike S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder--clinical depression with resultant physical/physiological symptoms), the "holiday blues" are characterized by situational, temporary psychological sadness.1

The term "holiday blues" sounds too generic to me--too blasé considering what sufferers endure. It should be called something more meaningful--something that accurately reflects the devastating rollercoaster ride of emotion experienced by those left behind. Having buried a parent, a child, a spouse, a dear friend, holidays are the worst time of year for millions of people. Their loved one's absence at holiday get-togethers is a constant reminder of everything they've lost and the family member they will never see again.

Nothing you say or do will bring back someone who has passed away, but there are a few things you can do to ease someone's suffering:
*Bulletbr* Stop by and/or call someone who has lost a loved one. Ask if there's anything you can do, and tell him/her not to hesitate to ask for help.
*Bulletbr* Sometimes people just want to talk. Listen to them.
*Bulletbr* Include the deceased loved one in family gatherings by lighting a candle to symbolize his/her presence, serve his/her favorite dish, or write his/her name on an ornament to hang on the tree. 2
*Bulletbr* Donate to the deceased person's favorite charity or coordinate a fundraiser for a favorite cause in his/her name.
*Bulletbr* Invite those who are grieving to spend the holidays with you or offer to help them cook and/or clean.

Of course, these are but a few suggestions. It's most important to not ignore those who are grieving simply because the situation makes you uncomfortable and you don't know what to say. Acknowledge them, recognize their pain, think of ways you might be able to help, and always, always be considerate, kind, and compassionate.



Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft star-shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

~ Autumn Rain by Mary Elizabeth Frye, 1932


Peace and blessings to you and yours this holiday season.
A swirly signature I made using the Mutlu font and a drop shadow.
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Newsletter Archives Open in new Window. (E)
A listing of all my newsletters in one easy-to-find place.
#1555482 by Shannon Author IconMail Icon


Notes:
1: Holiday Blues vs Seasonal Affective Disorder  Open in new Window.
2: 7 Ways to Help Someone Grieving a Loss During the Holidays  Open in new Window.


Editor's Picks

In Memorium


I hope you enjoy this week's featured selections. Each one was written by a WDC member who is no longer with us, but their gifts live on and we miss them each and every day.

Merry Christmas, everyone. *Xmastree*



A Reservation Christmas Tale Open in new Window. (E)
Childrens Short Story, a reservation Christmas tale.
#754756 by BlueThunder Author IconMail Icon


Jillian's Gift Open in new Window. (E)
It was not the nicest wrapping job he had ever seen.
#1046156 by Rasputin Author IconMail Icon


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Unlikely Christmas Miracle Open in new Window. (E)
A woman receives a very unexpected miracle at Christmas time.
#1908430 by Iva Lilly Durham Author IconMail Icon


A White Christmas Open in new Window. (E)
A true story that just happened
#1505215 by Sticktalker Author IconMail Icon


A NIGHT TO REMEMBER Open in new Window. (E)
Christmas contest entry
#1182096 by SHERRI GIBSON Author IconMail Icon


 The Last Round Open in new Window. (18+)
Flash for Short Fiction contest, Christmas during war
#1193346 by E E Coder Author IconMail Icon


Psssst! Open in new Window. (ASR)
This is for Val(Sultry Enchantress) so she won't have to spend Christmas 2004 alone.
#791943 by Rasputin Author IconMail Icon

 
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Word from Writing.Com

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Ask & Answer

The following is in response to "Kindness MattersOpen in new Window.:

sdv413 writes, "Wonderful quote from 'Unknown.' Glad your Dad pulled through." Thank you, Steve. *Peace*

Mia - craving colour Author Icon writes, "'Today is a blessing and tomorrow isn't guaranteed. Every word, every action is a choice. We may agree to disagree, but my hope is that we do so with kindness. We may not get another chance.' Beautiful sentiment and very true, Shannon. Thank you for sharing. Wishing your Dad a restoration to full health. Happy Thanksgiving." Aw, thank you, Mia. I hope yours was blessed as well. *Hug*

Vaughan Jones - ONE Scribe Author Icon writes, "Yep, it's all about love. Some have it as a natural response and others have not. It all depends on one's spiritual state. I wrote a poem and then a song entitled 'Love Cloud'. Take a listen on Soundcloud here.  Open in new Window. Let me know your thoughts and inspirations." This is great, Vaughan Jones - ONE Scribe! I love folk music--it's one of my favorites. Love the guitar. Thank you so much for sharing. *Heart*




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