Amidst the Christmas decorations, carols and hearty meals, it's easy to forget that for many, Christmas time can be a sad period.
The cheer of others acts as constant reminders that the special people we loved so dearly aren't with us to celebrate.
For some, it may be the very first Christmas without a parent, like in the case of one young man, who devised a most creative way to send his deceased father a Christmas wish.
Writing a short message to his dad, the young boy attached his note to a balloon in hopes that it would find its way to his dad in heaven.
How do you honour the memory of your deceased loved ones at Christmas time? Have you ever experienced a Christmas miracle? Share your story with the Parent24 team by emailing to chatback@parent24.com and we could publish your letter. Do let us know if you'd like to stay anonymous.
Not heaven, but close enough
But instead of heaven, the balloon found its way onto the property of one Suzanne Womac Edwards, who was so moved by what she read, the mom shared a snap of the note via her Facebook account.
The note read:
“Dad, I wish you were here so we could have fun together. I wish you a Merry Christmas.
“I hope you tell God to give me those presents. I hope you are happy in heaven. If you are, OK then tell me.
"I love you, Alexander.”
So taken aback by the message, Suzanne included her own response to the boy, asking any and all to share her message in hopes that it might find its way back to the boy.
She wrote:
"Alexander, I want you to know that Heaven is a wonderful place, more amazing than you or I can even imagine. It is a place where there is no pain and no worries. I am certain that your daddy didn't want to leave you or cause you to feel lonely or sad. But in Heaven, he is ok and he is happy. He wants you to be happy too! He will always love you and I am sure that you make him proud! Have a Merry Christmas!!"
No trolls this time
As luck would have it, the post eventually found its way back to Alexander, whose mother managed to make contact with Susan after reading her message. Updating her original message, Susan wrote:
"The mother of this boy has reached out to me. She was very touched by my post and did relay its message to her son. She said he had a tear of joy and was so glad to know his dad is happy. She called the experience a miracle. Thank you to all who shared my post and commented with support or concern. In awe of the power of social media, I am very glad that I was able to tell this story and connect with this family."
How do you honour the memory of your deceased loved ones around Christmas time? Have you ever experienced a Christmas miracle? Share your story with the Parent24 team by emailing to chatback@parent24.com and we could publish your letter. Do let us know if you'd like to stay anonymous.
Read more:
- Tips to stay safe while on the road
- A survival guide to being home for the holidays
- WATCH: How to make Olaf and Frosty the Snowman Oreo pops
Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive Parent24 stories directly to your inbox.