Honoring those families,
those loved ones not taking their seat at the holiday table this year.
We celebrate you, we miss you, we honor you this season of change,
The Empty Chair.
We welcome in the holidays,
Festivities begin.
November to December end,
These days are penciled in.
The list of things to do is long,
With many meals prepare.
And tables set to celebrate,
Those seated in each chair.
The holidays, they dare to change,
In subtle ways appear.
When looking back the portrait of,
The family then last year.
Emotions indescribable,
Without you seated there.
Your smile and sweater worn remains,
Our mother’s empty chair.
So many tables set for us,
Remember all you do.
Our mom who gave us memories,
In turn, we gave to you.
When gather for a family meal,
Remember what we share.
And treasure those we’re seated by,
Who occupy each chair.
Because the portrait might just change,
From what we’ve always known.
The table set this holiday,
Could find one all alone.
Forgive us if we tend to stare,
Our mother’s empty chair.
And see her with a deck of cards,
Or love her grand-kids there.
Another table has been set,
Another home reside.
Though missing you this holiday,
With Christ you sit beside.
Mere words or thoughts could dare convince,
Her absence us prepare.
How much we miss our mother’s chair,
And see her sitting there.