Artwork by Ellis Wilson, “Funeral Procession”

As much happiness as the holidays may bring, sadness sometimes follow from the absence of those who are no longer physically here to share in those occasions. For me, I miss my mom every holiday—really every day.

She has been gone now for 11 years, this coming December 26. Outwardly, I’m joyful and excited to create memories with my family, both those immediate and who have traveled from across the country. But internally, it’s hard to dismiss the sorrow and pain that comes from not having my mommy here.

The weirdest part of it all is that some years there are no tears, just laughter, and smiles from those priceless memories of her. Other years those same memories bring tears, anger, and sadness from wanting her to experience the joy that I feel. But I’ve been shown over and over, that there was a…