Family is Always There — Even if You Can’t Touch Them
They are part of you and with you always
Many have “the holiday blues” this year — more than ever.
I’m hearing about so many families having a hard time because they can’t be together this year because of the pandemic. Yes, it sucks. It breaks the family traditions that happen every year. Grandparents are missing critical moments with their grandchildren. Aunts and uncles feel like they are missing out too. The kids think the same.
Families often come from near and far to get together for the holidays — it’s always an important time of year. We all have those memories. It’s a topic being discussed by every family this season unless they are planning a funeral — and over 300,000 American families suffered like that. When put in perspective, it’s hard not to feel lucky.
What if — because we can’t be together — next year it’s even more meaningful?
What if we learn to appreciate each other so much more?
All the petty stuff seems to fade away when big things are happening. Tremendous things are happening — and our lives and those we love are potentially at risk. This is not a hoax or a drill.
When a person can be moved to tears because a child asks Dr. Anthony Fauci if Santa Claus can bring presents on Christmas because of Covid-19 — it’s heartbreaking. But the good doctor’s response is so heartwarming that I had to write a story about it. I was one of those people in tears. Happy tears.
Where there is darkness — there is light. You just have to look for it. It’s there.
Find what is right, what is good, and focus on that.
The other stuff will take care of itself.
What makes you happy?
This year I’m appreciating the little things.
My two cats purring one minute and then running around like striped and dotted wild leopards, flinging their bodies from one high perch to another while making the weirdest noises.
Watching the snowfall.
The beautiful sunset over the mountains on the other side of the Hudson River.
Hanging out with my youngest daughter for one more season before moving out as a grownup on her own.
That everyone I love is safe and sound — and staying that way so that next year when we have the all-clear, we can be together again without a care in the world. I love them so much — I want them somewhere else right now. Safe. Everyone in protective bubbles. That is worth the sacrifice of this season — we’ve given up so much already.
What is one more holiday in the final stretch?
Next year, as in 2022 — yes, we are planning far ahead. I have so much to look forward to — we have a family wedding coming up in March, and I am gaining a son-in-law. That’s just the beginning.
I’m not letting short-term disappointment dampen my spirit.
My message to you is the same. Sometimes things happen — and the delay makes the outcome even better. I would like to look at things from this perspective, and I hope you will join me.
Find what’s right in the situation, and the light will shine.
Happy holidays, dear reader. May they be full of love — maybe not what you want, but everything you need to fill your soul with joy and warmth.
Many blessings and love always,
Jenny
Jennifer Friebely is a New York-based content writer, marketer, and speaker covering stories from personal development, bully bosses, the Law of Attraction, marketing, and productivity to politics and music to whatever idea strikes. She has a 30+ year background in marketing and advertising and holds a BA in Political Science. Email her at [email protected] or visit www.successpicture.com.