Holiday Thoughts

Happy Sunday (November 19th)! Today’s the Sunday just before Thanksgiving, and I wanted to drop these thoughts beforehand instead of waiting until after the big day.

Holidays, you know, they’re that time we gather with our loved ones. Well, most of them, even those who don’t exactly top our list of favorite people. It’s that time when we catch up with folks we haven’t seen since last Thanksgiving. Some we’re okay with seeing only once a year, while with others, life just got in the way, and regrettably a year has flown by without a single call, text, or even an email. It happens.

It’s kind of sad, isn’t it? Our lives have become this never-ending rush, everything and everything, including people and especially animals seem to be disposable. And amidst all this chaos, we forget to even take a moment for ourselves. What has happened through the years that would made us this way? Why are we always in such a hurry, wee end up treating things, people, and again especially animals as if they’re easily replaceable?  Why can’t we spare a second to check in on a loved one, be it family or a friend?

I get it, though. Life can take us on different paths, and sometimes, we lose touch. But if someone means something to you, why not shoot them a quick “hi”? Let them know they’re still in your thoughts. It might just make their day.

This time of year always reminds me of a dear friend. We lost touch for a bit, would catch up once in a blue moon, and then drift apart again. But when I moved back to my hometown, we rekindled our friendship. It felt like old times.  Then I moved away again, not too far, but still another state. Despite the distance, we talked every few days, until she got diagnosed with cancer.

She withdrew from everyone, keeping only her close family by her side. I tried visiting, calling, but she didn’t want anyone to see her that way. The last time I saw her was in the hospital, looking so frail, curled up in bed. Her mother saw me, and though she was asleep, I managed to pass on a message. I wanted to make her smile. She always teased me about my red clothing, so you bet when I went to see her, I wore a red sweater. Her mom said my mention of red brought that big smile.

As I write this, I just noticed I’m wearing red again. I like to think she’s watching over me, laughing. She passed away a day or two after Christmas, and it’s been around 11 years, but I still miss her.

Here’s my wish for you this holiday season: slow down, embrace this beautiful world, and reconnect with those you’ve lost touch with before it’s too late.

You know that saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun”? Well, I think time just flies, regardless of what you’re doing. But it’s a precious gift. So, make the most of it, hold onto it dearly, and enjoy every moment.

Thanks for sharing this time with me. Wishing you a wonderful and grateful Thanksgiving! 🙏