Every year volunteers decorate the old barracks and buildings at the Fort. Much to my surprise, this building was decorated in memory of a friend who passed away this past year. The poem reads, "Christmas in Heaven, What do they do? They come down to Earth, to spend time with you. So save them a seat, just one empty chair, You may not see them, but they are there." ... Sitting opposite the sign was an old, empty rocking chair. Tonight my mother gave to me a wooden candle box crafted by my sister, filled with tall tapers she never lit. She died over twenty years ago, and her absence is still felt, particularly on holidays. While I understand the sentiments of the poem, if I were to set out an empty chair tonight, it would be there to hold my memories of her.
What a beautiful picture with all its festive starbursts and Christmas colors. Your shared sentiments are thought-provoking. I'm so sorry about your having lost a sister so many years ago. I like your idea of an empty chair for the memories to rest on.
