This year will be our first Christmas without my father-in-law.  It is going to be a difficult one for all of us.

But, we will get through it together, with laughter and with love…and bucket loads of both, at that!

You will be the empty seat at the dinner table,

The silent tears and the heartache

The sadness, longing and regret.

You will be the red wine in our glasses

And the Christmas cracker jokes

You will be in the faces of your sons

And in the hearts of all.

You will be in the whisper of the wind

and the laughter of my children.

You will be the bright star in the night sky

that your grandchildren bid goodnight.

You will be the reminder to hold those we love tight

And to make the most of each day.

Even in your absence you will always be present in our lives.

We miss you, at Christmas, and always.