There is an older man who lives in my neighborhood. He walks passed my place at exactly the same time every morning. Where does he goes? He never has visitors, only goes out for his walk in the morning and to go to the local grocery store. There is no existence of Holiday decorations at all.
Should I leave a small gift on his doorstep? He has been my neighbor for almost 3 years. Or does he not celebrate the Holidays because he doesn't believe in them or maybe he doesn't have family, or are they disconnected. Maybe he doesn't have anyone to celebrate them with and its easier to let it slide by quietly. Has no-one invited him to a Holiday dinner. Would leaving a token of the Holidays remind him that he is completely alone. Why is he alone ?
And what about the woman who hasn't been able to find a job in over a year ? I asked if she was going to see either of her daughters (who live locally) for Christmas? "Maybe" she said, "I don't know".
The Holiday Season is bittersweet in so many ways. Its is the one of the saddest and loneliest times of the year, for more people than we all know. A time when people who had or are dealing with heartache, loss, tragedy in their lives have those feelings at the forefront. When some would probably want to curl up in a ball and not deal. Military families wondering if their sons and/or daughters will be celebrating with them next year. Gaps around the Holiday table, family members who are out of touch.
Am I the only one that feels like this? Am I? Let me know either way. Are you someone who has had tragedy but chooses to forge ahead with your Holiday head held high?