Today I’m recommending my friend Laurel’s blog for your Advent reading.
When her two children with Autism Spectrum Disorder could no longer tolerate the upheaval of Christmas, she knew she would have to find a different way than with decorations, visiting, lavish gifts and meals to celebrate. She tells her story on this video.
This new reality turned her toward the quiet, 25-day-long celebration of Advent, which she chronicles each year on a blog. For the past few years she has asked fellow-travellers to join her. (I’m honored to be one of them this year).
You can follow our Advent journey on her blog Four Parts Hope. (This year we’re doing cinquain, tanka, haiku, psalms, found poems, and Laurel’s main writings will be haibun.)
********
This post is linked to Poetry Friday, hosted today by Bridget the wise one at wee words for wee ones.
Violet Nesdoly 
Violet, I am bawling like a baby… I checked out the blog – missing today specifically, but clicked on December 1st… What a moving piece of writing by your friend.
As I enter the Christmas season I am feeling motivated to be quietly reflective on the blessings in my life and may now decorate the balcony that I was going to leave dark because of all the mental upheaval going on inside my mind. Thank you for sharing such a lovely post. Terry
________________________________
LikeLike
Thanks, Terry! I know… Laurel is a great communicator and inspires all of us to count our blessings! (So happy about the great house news. Happy, happy!!)
LikeLike
Love this – would like to follow but can’t find the ‘follow’ button…
LikeLike
Wow, Violet, just wow. Thank you for sharing Laurel’s words, “Live Christmas well.” It is what we should all strive to do. Looking forward to reading your poetry on this journey.
LikeLike
Laurel’s perspective is one I hadn’t encountered before. It’s important to hear. Thanks for making me aware of her journey.
LikeLike
So important to remember what really matters. Very moving.
LikeLike
Turn toward the quiet….what a lesson for us all. Thank you.
LikeLike
Very heartwarming.
LikeLike