For several years
my children,
and I,
have had Family pictures done
at Christmas.

This year..
the pictures reflect
the years of healing!

While this season
has brought a new hurt
to my heart;
as I watch a friend grieve..
it has also
been the first season
that the holidays do not create
a sense of loss!
The first season
I am not missing what was...

And so,
The picture reflects
my family...
our completeness as is.
our acceptance of the past..
and our ability to embrace
our present!
The smiles are real..
the lightness genuine..
All of us,
comfortable in our own skin.
content!

A journey that took many years,
and many Christmas pictures..
to complete!