As we are well into the holiday season, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s, the inevitable reflection of where we are, where we’ve been and where we’re going sets in. This being the second year of trying, in some way to celebrate the season, while circumventing the latest version of Covid and this seemingly endless pandemic.
There’s no simple way around it. If you’ve suffered loss in this pandemic, my heart goes out to you and yours. If you or someone close to you became very ill and went through a long hospitalization, but has made it through to the other side of recovery, then celebrate in your victory. For most of us, we have been fortunate enough to be spectators or recipients of a much gentler version of the virus.
As we head into dealing with this latest variant of the virus, it is sadly once again threatening to throw the holiday season into a state of anxiety and unnaturalness. I think I speak for many of us when I say, I am tired. This has been a long road and we were hoping it would have ended a year ago. Yet here we are.
We have found ways to get back some of the joys of our lives, granted, with some new rules and restrictions in place.
In any event, my point I suppose, is that while things certainly aren’t the way we might prefer them to be around this time of year, we are finding our way. Holidays, and how we celebrate from year to year, is often relative to our own personal lives. Some years it seems everything is perfect. We are surrounded by our family and friends happy & healthy. Other years we may have suffered the recent loss of a close family member or friend, perhaps we have lost our jobs or battling serious illness.
I’ve had my share of emotionally different holiday seasons. I prefer to reflect on the difficult ones in such a way as to make the wonderful years that much sweeter and appreciated. Many are fortunate and see very little change from year to year, but as we all know, change is inevitable. To them I say, take nothing for granted. Appreciate that warm and complete feeling of happiness for every second it exists.
Even though this is going to be my 6th holiday season since my wife passed through this world, Christmas especially brings back the memories in a tidal wave. During the rest of the year the memories are triggered less often and usually with less intensity. For those who are dealing with a huge loss for the first time this year, I hope you can tap into the good times, the memories that will trigger a smile on your face without even realizing it’s there. You WILL survive. You WILL move on and live life. It won’t be the same, but things constantly change.
These are the more monumental changes of course, but I’m trying to tell you it will be OK. You will cry again and again and again. Don’t deny it, as your feelings are your guide to healing, if you listen and respect them enough.
I’m not sure why I went this route with this blog, but I suppose I’m just expressing what I still feel every time the holidays roll around. It so happens this year I have some friends and family dealing with the loss of important loved ones in their lives. I send my love and good tidings to all of you.
Now onto something hopefully more uplifting. I’ve been working on a project called “I Meant to Tell You”. We have released 4 episodes so far and you can find the links here. In upcoming episodes I will be sharing my I Meant to Tell You story, as well as a fascinating part II from the episode called A Father/Son Story. It deals with a WWII prisoner of war escape amongst a small group of soldiers from South Africa.
Please have a look. We would love for you to be part of the series by sharing your “I Meant to Tell You” stories with us. If you would prefer I interview you and we record it or you record it on your own we are flexible as to how it’s done logistically. The important part, is the story, that we hope both heal and inspire others.
Here are the links to our episodes(please subscribe to our YouTube channel) and check out our website which includes inspirational information and bonus live music videos from our travels……hope you like it.
https://www.imeanttotellyou.com/
Finally, don’t forget about our podcast The Middle Age Warriors on the Bleav podcast network. We’ve had some amazing guests in our 72 shows.
The latest podcast, Rick Sommers and I reflect on Christmas, Omicron, NY Mets off-season moves and much more.
https://bleav.com/shows/bleav-in-middle-age-warriors/
Thanks for all of your support through the year and beyond. Have a happy and most importantly healthy holiday and New Year. See you in 2022 with hopefully some good news!
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