Thanksgiving Hope
Today Americans celebrate Thanksgiving with their families and friends. This year my husband and I will be spending it without our beloved child. I know many Americans will be missing family members too, and for the similar reasons.
We tragically lost our child eight months ago. We can never get him back but I still have hope for all those parents whose children are still alive and just estranged or feel estranged in their own homes.
As I grieve for my child, I grieve for all of you who will be spending today without your child or with a child who is now a stranger. I’m blessed to have met so many wonderful parents who have helped me during these difficult years. I don’t have my child but I have all of you, and that I am thankful for.
Please take care of yourself and don’t give up hope that your child will come back or come around to reality.
My heart aches for you in reading this. Please bear with me as I share that the words “just estranged” gave me pause. Our son has been missing for going on 10 years. We believe he went from trans to trafficked. I have come to accept that death may be his deliverance. And further, I confess I have even had to battle the feelings of envy when a friend lost their young son…at least they know where he is. But your title “Hope” and beautiful note to us parents reminded me of a line I have often shared and need to remember and sincerely believe, “If there is life, there is still hope.” May God grant you that peace beyond understanding today.
Thankful for this space. And to everyone in this space, may you find peace on this Thanksgiving day.