They say that time heals all wounds. When it comes to the wound brought on by losing someone we love, I don't find this all that true..

Yes, with time missing them becomes easier. But the loss of a loved one is a wound that will always be left open. And for most of us, the holidays feel as though someone's pouring salt directly into that deep cut.

When someone we love is called home by The Lord, a piece of our hearts leaves with them. We will never be fully the same without that missing puzzle piece.

The change brought on by that missing piece is sometimes pretty small, but to us, it feels like we're a whole new person. We find ourselves changing the station when a song that reminds us of our loved one comes on, or we find ourselves no longer finding joy in something that we once did with that person.

I've dealt with many, many deaths of loved ones throughout my 18 years, and each one has done something completely different for me.

The holidays make missing them the worst. This is the time of the year that we are supposed to spend with all the ones we love, the people who make us whole. And when there are people missing, it just doesn't feel right.

I know that my guardian angels are ALWAYS with me in everything I do, but anyone who's experienced loss can tell you that although their physical body never made them who they were, sometimes all you need is to see them, hear them laugh, or just hug them tight.

There really is no way to "deal with it." We simply learn to cope, and attempt to allow our joyful memories to cover up our lonesomeness.

There is nothing wrong with being sad around the holidays when you're missing a part of yourself. Christmas is all about love and joy and happiness, but it's okay to be lonely or upset. Just remember, those you love are always with you, they know how much you love and miss them, and they truly just want to watch you continue on with life and be happy while doing it,

This Christmas, don't forget to let those you love just how much they mean to you, because you never know when your last holiday with someone is your last..

Merry Christmas and God Bless!