Seasonal Rant

I am so very sorry you are alone and lonely. Can you at least stay warm, dry and fed? If so, be assured that this will get over. You say you go to church. Remember what it says in your Bible. It says ".and it came to pass....." It never says it came to stay. I do hope that perhaps some kindly neighbor will come and help you to get out.

Hugs

Olwyn Mary in New Orleans.

Sending you comforting hugs from across the pond. Shirley

In message , Mag writes

No need to ask for forgiveness. You're not ranting, just stating facts; you are in my thoughts and prayers even though I don't know who you are nor where you live.

You're entitled - even though I have family in town I know exactly what you mean, I have never enjoyed Christmas since I picked an elderly lady up off the sidewalk over fifty years ago.

It is something to be 'got through' and I know you will overcome. It used to be sacrilege to say you didn't find Christmas enjoyable, but it no longer is so, they even gave it a name Christmas Blues.

It is all so centred that it can make one feel so isolated, snowed in or not. My husband also died just before Christmas, on my younger daughters birthday, and that all plays into it too. My youngest BIL was widowed this past year and when we were chatting in email it was evident he feels as we all do, very much alone without his mate and Christmas comes along and accentuates it.

Mag, if it will help please know you are not really alone in feeling this way and today will pass and things can go back to 'normal' - until next year :) Sending lots of good thoughts your way

Sheena

There are many of us out here in the netherworld that don't have family, or close friends, or strong connections in their immediate world. Some of us don't celebrate the holidays. I know how difficult this time of year can be. And weather can certainly contribute to the feeling of isolation. Sending hugs your way.

Dianne

Mag wrote:

How about a hug?

I've come to hate this time of year. I do wish your family was closer and I completely understand about the snow.

Cheryl

I'm sending hugs and good wishes to you.

I'm lucky and although I have no family nearby and I've been a widow for 18 years, I have made very dear friends that are close by and live the same lifestyle I do. Most of us are single and retired and are a great comfort to each other at times like these.

I do hope the weather clears for you soon and you can get out and have some fun.

I echo Lucille's hugs and good wishes.

Give yourself a present today -- allow yourself to feel bad and pig out on something edible like chocolate, homemade bread, or cookies.

I woke up this morning regretting having sent the post only to be totally up-lifted by all the responses. Thank you all so much!! You all have made my day!! I'll be thinking about what has been said here through to the new year and beyond.

mag

removed a depressing post.

Any time!

Well, they say God moves in mysterious ways. This past June we lost our beloved dog after 12 years, I developed a severe alergic reaction to something within the week & landed in emerg. in anyphalactic shock and needed to be resuscitated several times over the next two weeks until the cause was found. After the first week DH decided he was having a mid-life crisis and moved out, leaving our DDs to deal with the loss of our pet & my midnight ambulance trips. I too turned to friends and we found a support system second to none. The more you talk to people, the more you'll see how many of them have gone through similar things. Knowing you're not alone, or just talking to others will make it easier as time goes on. We're always here for you.

Maureen

Don't worry about the rant! It's completely understandable. Too bad about all the snow this year. We've had more snow this December than I remember having since we moved up here 17 years ago. DH has had to walk half way up the driveway several times so far.

Have you seen/talked to Elaine recently? We emailed a while back but I haven't actually seen her for months! She didn't renew her EGA membership & that's pretty much all the socializing I do - other than the hiking in the summertime.

Try to have a happy birthday tomorrow and a merry Christmas today. Watch some funny videos & maybe they'll make you smile - if not actually laugh. :-))

Stay warm!

Liz

The year of the divorce, I had to spend Christmas alone, as well as my birthday (which fell on a holiday weekend) -- all my friends were spending the long weekend with boyfriends and didn't want a third wheel along.

Take the opportunity to spoil yourself. Eat a whole chocolate cake. Take an hour-long bubble bath. Spend the day doing whatever you like best.

On both occasions, I got a ton of take-out, so I could munch all day without cooking, and spent 15+ hours stitching on something for MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

There are lots of people who for whatever reason cannot bring themselves to celebrate at Christmas--nothing to apologize for. I know several Anglican parishes in town who have Blue Christmas services, which invite the bereaved, the alone, those who have lost jobs, who have had bad news, who have family problems, and anyone who isn't merry, to gather and pray quietly for peace and hope. I know one funeral home that has a non-denominational service for people who find Christmas reminds them of those they have lost. It says to me there are lots of people who cannot bear all the holly jolly hype.

I am alone this Christmas too, but yesterday received a dinner invitation, and will be able to go out (I was without my car for 2 days because two of my tires finally gave it up because of the extreme cold weather) and be celebratory (not the least because for the first time in several weeks the temperature has gone above minus 20). Do whatever you can that gives you a bit of pleasure--if I were staying home, I would dig out some DVDs and popcorn and enjoy.

Church helps a lot for me, even if sometimes I have a tear in my eye as I sing--I went to Christmas Eve service last night, and went to my former parish this morning to give Christmas communion to the small group of people who gathered. (There is always Christmas Day in the Morning celebration, so that anyone who is travelling/visiting can meet the obligation to receive communion at Christmas. So I am sorry you couldn't go.

I hope things are brighter in the New Year--you have friends here, so feel okay about ranting any time. God bless us, every one.

Dawne

Sorry you're feeling so lonely. I hope that you've found some comfort with your thoughts, and phone calls. Sending a hug,

Ellice

Olwen Mary - what a great reference this was!!

Thank you and happy all the holidays!!

mag

Hi Shirley,

Thanks for the hugs. It seems I don't see enough from you and it's always nice to hear what you are up to.

mag

I have not done much of anything this last year. Been rushed in hospital three times with heart problems. Nothing can be done about it either. Just taking life one day at a time. Been getting rid of my needlework, card making, quilting stash. Still occasionally doing a bit of beadwork and quietly doing our family history. I shall be 73 next month. If you want to e-mail me my address is in my SIG, line. Hugs Shirley

In message , Mag writes

Hi Liz, My note to you keeps bouncing. I'm wondering if all is ok with you up there? Perhaps you have lost power. Or, I could post it here if you like.

mag

Hi, Mag!!!!!!!!

Don't worry about the rant! It's completely understandable. Too bad about all the snow this year. We've had more snow this December than I remember having since we moved up here 17 years ago. DH has had to walk half way up the driveway several times so far.

Have you seen/talked to Elaine recently? We emailed a while back but I haven't actually seen her for months! She didn't renew her EGA membership & that's pretty much all the socializing I do - other than the hiking in the summertime.

Try to have a happy birthday tomorrow and a merry Christmas today. Watch some funny videos & maybe they'll make you smile - if not actually laugh. :-))

Stay warm!

Liz