I saw Sadness leave one day back in early September,
It stood up and walked out through the door.
Without a word of warning, it simply left your face.
Not pausing to say goodbye or farewell
But still, leaving me shocked to the core.

I did not notice when Sadness came into your life,
This was not someone I thought you of all people knew.
Yet the moment Sadness left you was also the moment I saw
That for many days, weeks, months even years more than I’d realised
Life had been growing harder for you.

Sadness moved in on you, on us, so very slowly, stealthily.
A Master of Disguise in lives lived permanently on high alert
For the next medical emergency or serious health concern.
Sadness was, at first, just a virus then perhaps it was not…but if not, then what?
Doctors looked for a reason why you were no longer yourself; why so inert?

The day Sadness left was the day I knew it had ever even stayed.
That soft autumnal morning as I signed to you ‘the first day of school.’
After months of your outside world shrinking in ways that had broken my heart
Your face looked up and THAT smile at once returned, revealing the truth
You’d been sad for too long, not ill.

Christmas came in September, with gifts of friendship,
Farm visits, fun and laughter at school, at home.
Connections once again made with others who bring you joy.
Inertia left with Sadness, scooping up Entitlement who I confess I’d invited to stay.
Leaving room once more, at this particular Inn, for those who make their love for you known.

I’m thankful, this Christmas, for the Giver as much as I am for the Gift.

Happy Christmas to all who celebrate with us x

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.“

Words of Jesus, recorded in John 10 v 10, The Bible and my prayer for all who read this.