Gail’s injury forced us to cancel our Christmas travel plans this year. Her hip wouldn’t tolerate the 9 hour car trip, and the orthopedic surgeon forbade air travel so as to avoid a blood clot. So we are spending the holiday by ourselves here in Winston-Salem while our families gather up north in Toledo. It is not my first experience at feeling sadly isolated over the holidays. I know this happens to many people for many reasons. So this year I am shouting out a special Christmas wish to all those who will be without family this year. In my personal experience, this includes:
people who are injured or sick and can’t travel
people who are sick in the hospital
people who are working in the hospital on Christmas Day
people with family in another country
divorced people, especially those whose small children are with their ex this year
people with a spouse with dementia
military spouses whose spouse is deployed overseas
special needs people without a real family
…and I’m sure there are many, many more situations.
The joy of the holidays which we imagine in our minds does not always play out IRL. I have heard this from many people. Holiday stress is a given. But those who feel isolated for whatever reason get my special wish today. Reach out to those you can with a call, or a warm smile, or a holiday hug. 🙂
Sorry you can’t be with your family today, but Gail comes first right now. You have also listed so many good reasons to be thankful even though you can’t be with your family. I can so remember always working all the holidays.
Have a great day and a very merry Christmas to you both. Hugs. 🙂
Serving and Protecting doesn’t take a day off either! I am grateful for people like you who have risked their lives to keep the peace. It must have cost you many a holiday. Thank you, Sandee. And thanks to Z as well!
Merry Christmas! 🙂
I know the feeling,I felt that when I was in the service and out of the country.
The same thing I said to Sandee applies to you, Mike. Thank you, and Merry Christmas! 🙂
Oh, no! I am sorry to hear about Gail’s hip. I hope she recovers quickly. I also hope you had a peaceful holiday yesterday. Thank you for making a visit to my place!
My mother’s long-term boyfriend was in the critical care unit over Christmas (in the middle of his last six-month hospital stay). There are many people working out there on the holidays, taking care of others. And many people alone.
Wishing you a happy new year, Ferd, full of love and happiness!
Thank you, Jennifer!
I hope your Christmas was merry! And let’s look forward to a happy and healthy 2012! 🙂