.. but i couldn’t tear myself away from THE BLIND ASSASSIN. Just solidified for me that Margaret Atwood is my favorite authoress.

just thoughts i have on Christmas and Gratitude!

Yesterday, I started the holiday on the wrong foot.. I wasn’t exactly feeling the spirit of Christmas seeing as I had to cut my family Christmas Eve festivities short to go to work. Not what I had in mind for the holiday. Then a small moment completely changed my outlook and ever since, I have felt the Christmas spirit more than I have in several years. At work, an older couple came in, obviously dressed up and excited to have Christmas Eve dinner together. The man had what looked like an oxygen-type tube taped to his face, and I obviously don’t know his situation but given his health problems, going out for dinner may be a rare occasion. Within minutes, before even recieving their drinks, the couple had to get up and leave because the man’s illness got in the way of their celebration.  I hate to be gross or graphic, (WARNING if you are sensitive) but he was literally bleeding from his eye. Maybe he was in pain, but he was also visibly embarrassed and disappointed.  I could imagine he may have felt ashamed or guilty that his wife couldn’t enjoy her Christmas Eve dinner, that they had to leave. I wondered how serious it was, I felt crippled that I couldn’t help them. As they quickly tried to leave without making a scene, I felt instantly heavy in my heart, and ashamed for feeling like I had missed out on something that evening. As I watched them leave, I was in tears because it not only revealed their specific situation, but I remembered all of the people that we often seem to forget this time of year. I remembered that Christmas is not a happy time for everyone. Many families are dealing with illness, death, poverty, whatever it may be. Some people are dealing with loneliness or depression and just don’t have anyone to spend Christmas with. I hate to sound depressing on Christmas, but here’s the positive: Since that moment, I have felt so blessed and so grateful for everything I have this year. The people in my life, my health (something we all take for granted until it’s gone) , the gifts, everything. I said a prayer and wished so much that I could do something, anything for this couple, because they gave me the best gift this season; they humbled me and reminded me that the Holiday season is kicked off by Thanksgiving for a reason, and we shouldn’t forget that gratitude in just a month. I hope that all my friends and loved ones not only had a WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS, but I hope we all take the time to sit back and appreciate it and do something, some kindness to someone who may not have as much to enjoy this time of year. I know this sounds cliche, but this is just what is on my mind! MERRY CHRISTMAS!