The First Christmas Following the Death of My Dad

          A special Christmas tradition in the Spilsbury family was LaGrand Spilsbury, my father, playing his accordion while all the grandchildren danced around pillows on the floor to “musical pillows.”  My father passed away May 14, 2003.  Since then, others have tried to step in for him with this tradition, but no one will ever be able to fill that slot quite the way he did.  It’s just not the same, this ”family tradition” when that someone special is missing.

          Quite frankly, it is emotional for me even to write about it.  This will be our third Christmas without him, and even though the first Christmas was by far the hardest, we truly miss him every year, and this year will be no exception.

           Spilsbury Mortuary will again this year be presenting our annual “Embracing the Holidays” program, especially for  those who have lost a loved one.  It will feature the Heritage Choir with Floyd Rigby, and our guest speakers this year will be Duane Lamoreaux,   Maureen and Dr. Craig Booth.  We extend an invitation to the entire community to come and share this very special time with us.  It will focus on facing the holidays with peace in our hearts, knowing that for many, this will be the first Christmas separated from that very special loved one.

          Our “Embracing The Holidays” program is a sacred, healing experience.

Together we will reflect on past fond memories and Christmases. We will express appreciation for our many blessings, and especially we will remember and pay tribute to the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He, who gives us hope of a glorious resurrection, giving us that peace which comforts us as we celebrate the holidays with family and friends.

          This year’s program will be held Saturday, December 3, 2005, at 7:00 p.m. in the Spilsbury Mortuary Chapel.  We invite families to bring an ornament and place it on our Christmas Tree of Remembrance.   Our refreshments alone will make you glad you came, and I promise that our “Embracing The Holidays” program will touch your heart and give you courage and strength to carry on with love in your heart.