'Tis the Season... To Rejoice and Remember, To Reflect and Resolve

December 18, 2005

This column will appear in print at a time when the day light hours are the shortest and the nighttime hours seem endless. The winter season is standing on the threshold and it seems we are never quite ready for it. It is a season to rejoice, which always arrives on time; it never misses a beat. Also, for many of us, this too is a holiday season and it seems we are never quite ready for it, either. There is the normal hustle and bustle and last minute things to do; but, on the face of it, most of us seem to like it that way. In fact, if we were given more time to get ready, we probably would not do anything much differently. Somehow, most of us seem to manage... just like it is.

A season of busy activity is here; certainly the postman and the delivery services personnel have had no doubt about that. As with the lives of many of our friends and neighbors, young and old, there is the feeling of excitement and exuberance. And then, there are some in our midst who at this time of the year seem to feel certain loneliness and even emptiness. Many of our readers can empathize with those who are full of anticipation as well as those who feel a bit on the forgotten side. Most of us, if not all of us, have experienced the "ups" and the "downs" of what life has to offer. And so, many of us have had experiences very much in common with one another: we know the joy of giving and we know the need to receive. We know the pleasure of helping to fulfill the cherished needs of others, as others have lovingly done for us. Won't you join us in our holiday "gift wish" for others ... so that others may receive the special warmth of on attentive giver?

To the children, we ask that they be given gentle guidance, kindness, health and safety. But especially, may they feel a special nurturing of love and may see their dreams as the magic of a falling star that they can catch, cherish and hold. For the teenagers in our midst, we ask that they be given a special measure of attention and guidance and a feeling of personal worth and dignity which many of them so desperately seek. And may their hopes for a bright tomorrow be filled with possibility thinking. For the adults in our midst, we ask that they be given strength, patience, perseverance, love and foresight so to be the teachers of our children and young people and to send a message of good will and gentle caring to others. For those who are grieving, it is our hope that they may find comfort in the memories of their loved ones and so appreciate how rich they are in that their life pathways were warmly enriched. For those who are lonely and feel forgotten, we ask that they may find comfort in giving cheer and hope to others who are sorely in need of both. To those of our neighbors who have suffered the ravages of fire, water, wind and natural disasters, we ask that their lives may be put back together and that their hopes may find enriching fulfillment.

To all those who have, with such genuine dedication and unselfish commitment, served our community in numerous ways, we extend "grateful appreciation." To the law enforcement agencies, fire department, ambulance and emergency personnel, human service volunteers, and the list goes on... may each of them know the warmth of sincere gratitude felt by an appreciative and thankful public.

To the men and women of our armed forces who sacrificed their lives for us, we are supremely thankful and our hearts go out to their loved ones in fullest measure. To the men and women of our armed forces who are sacrificing to defend freedom and to restore liberty, we ask that they be given a special measurement of encouragement and support and a special "thank you" from a grateful people. And to the leaders of our Country, we ask that they may be blessed with the insight and discernment of wisdom, so to have the character and the determination to effectively lead a willing, dedicated, and thankful people.

To all, it is our wish that truth and justice may prevail in a world free of terrorism and tyranny. May the year 2006 be filled with joy and may PEACE prevail and freedom ring out for all to hear. May "God bless America" and all freedom loving people around the world.

And so, our friends, we resolve to wish you "Wesolychhuman serices Swiat," "Felices Fiestas," "Buone Feste," "Frohe Feiertage," "Chag Sameach,""God Yule."

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and that is our way of saying "Happy Holidays" FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE.