Bitter Sweets

Cactus surviving the snow.

Christmas week is always a bitter sweet week where I work. Co-workers are extra anxious for well-deserved days off, the dockets are small so we are able to catch up our work, and sometimes it is the only week of the year that I can completely clean out my inbox. Sweet.

 

Then there are the everyday stories of domestic violence and loss. Bitter. Inevitably, someone always needs a furlough at the last hour during Christmas week when the entire courthouse is short staffed. Yesterday was no exception. While all the t's were crossed and i's dotted, there was a little chink in the process. Luckily, one of my super awesome co-workers did her magic and the furlough happened without a further hitch. I watched the face of a mother go from very stressed to one of complete relief when she knew that we were going to take care of business for her. These are goose bump moments for me. Sweet.

 

All week my co-worker and I have had a lot of fun calling out "It's a Non-Denominational Miracle" every time something good happens. It's been a joke between us as we work in a government office where truly there is a separation of church and state, as it should be. Finding the good in what can sometimes be a very depressing work environment is what keeps me going. And, there is always something and some way to find good. We even said Merry Christmas a few times to those who wished it to us.

 

Last night, or rather early this morning, I woke at 3:00am due to insomnia I have been suffering through. I picked up my phone and learned that my former sister-in-law died last night after a two year battle with cancer. We've known her death was imminent for about 3 weeks now and I've used that time to reflect on my life, her life and our life as we knew it. Her death is bitter sweet. She had reportedly been in a lot of pain for a long time. I think most of us fear that. She is gone but will never be forgotten.

 

Today is a new day. I'm off today but I'm getting dressed and going to witness an adoption this morning. I've never attended one and since I was adopted myself, I'm excited to be on the other side watching this event. I photographed this family a couple weekends ago and can tell you I had goose bumps when I drove away. Such a good feeling.

 

I believe in the power of people to do good. It is all around us and it is infectious. Whether or not you believe in miracles, I hope you have the most wonderful denominational or non-denominational weekend. I hope the magic of Christmas blankets you in love and understanding for all others. I hope your bitter sweets are recognizable and that you find the good in everything.

 

love, susan