It’s
been hard for me to participate in holiday festivities this year. My friend
Ginny was felled by a mighty stroke on Thursday and never regained
consciousness. Her body lived on for two more days, then ceased
functioning altogether on Christmas Eve. Ginny’s family was keeping vigil at
her bedside. Although I was many miles away, I was keeping vigil too.
Will
Christmas ever be the same for Ginny’s family or for me or for her many other
friends? Will every Christmas bring an acute sense of loss?
Too
be honest, I haven’t cared much for Christmas for many years. I am not only repelled
by the excessive materialism, but also have unpleasant memories of the season.
They will always cast their dark shadows over the holiday. I do love to see
little children’s excitement as Christmas approaches, but my participation has
become more and more difficult.
Next
year I think I’ll just celebrate the northern hemisphere’s winter solstice.
December 22 marks the end of lengthening days and the sun’s return to
dominance. Winter solstice celebrates the coming light. No more shadows for me.
Copyright
2016 by Shirley Domer
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