On this morning’s walk through Facebook, I came across a quote that spoke to me: “A parent will only ever be in one of three places: in front of you to cheer you on, behind you to have your back, or next to you so you are not walking alone.” S Turner. On this quiet Sunday morning, when I have been so accustomed to talking to my parents across the years and miles, I am thinking how blessed I have been to have parents that cheered me on, had my back, and walked beside me. And of course I am missing them.

This week I purchased my flight tickets “home” for Christmas. My sister Jen and her family have generously opened their home to me this year, as we start a new tradition for the holiday, one without our dear Dad, and without our parent’s cozy, cheerfully decorated little white house on Church Street in Forest. And without my dear “Scruffy The Wonder Cat” who sadly passed away just one week after my Dad. So many changes to get used to and work through this holiday season. I will admit here it has been tough at times. Small daily reminders that our lives have changed. A gentle, and sometimes not so gentle tug at the frayed heart-strings.

Christmas has always been my favourite time of the year. Many of my closest friends know that I start listening to “seasonal music” shortly after the Forest Fair in September. I love the appearance of soft twinkling lights, and, admittedly, the appearance of Eggnog Latte :). Mostly, I love all of these things because they mean that a long-awaited visit home with the family is just around the corner. A time when I’m reminded that I’m not walking this earth alone.

As Jen reminded me, yes, this Christmas will be different for us, and likely at times difficult. But we will remember to circle ourselves with love and laughter too. I look forward to picking Mum up and bringing her to Jen’s always festive house so we can celebrate family together again. For a few short days in December.

I chose the photo above for today’s post as my recent visit to Fisgard Lighthouse near Victoria brings back a warm memory when I sat in one of those bright red chairs, so far away, and yet still felt close to home, close to my family. Home IS where the heart is after all.