Christmas is supposed to be a joyful season. For some of us though it will be bittersweet as we spend our first Christmas without a loved one. This will be my first Christmas without my brother Mike. I won’t be able to see his face as he opens his special present. I got him a Knights of Columbus L’arpie. He won’t see the faces of his grandchildren opening their gifts from him. One of the best gifts Mike ever gave me was a couple of years ago, as I was wrapping both of our gifts, he brought in a CD by an artist whose name I had heard of but had never heard sing called Josh Groban. It was his Christmas album “Noel.” I became a huge fan of Josh Groban and his music helped me to get through these very difficult months.
On his album “Awake” Josh has a song called “You Are Loved.” One thing I hope for is that this Daily Kos community remembers that there is more to life then politics. We have had many pie fights here. We have gotten angry and frustrated with each other. At the heart of Daily Kos though has to be community. We have helped each other out during hard times. Many people have helped me through the pain of Mike’s death and the death of my Mom before that. We need to remember that even during the pain that we are loved. So for all of you experiencing your first Christmas without a loved one, as I am, here is a virtual hug from me. I wish you joy and love today whatever your personal beliefs are.
"You Are Loved (Don't Give Up)"
Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
When your heart's heavy
I...I will lift it for you
Don't give up
Because you want to be heard
If silence keeps you
I...I will break it for you
Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved
Don't give up
It's just the hurt that you hide
When you're lost inside
I...I will be there to find you
Don't give up
Because you want to burn bright
If darkness blinds you
I...I will shine to guide you
Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved
You are loved
Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
Don't give up
Every one needs to be heard
You are loved