It is the season for joy and family gatherings, but not for everyone.
Many families will have an empty chair at their dinners this year, some for the first time, while many have endured that absence for many seasons.
I have deeply conflicting feelings each year at this season as I hand sign what seems like an endless stack of Christmas/holiday greeting cards, and I try to personalize nearly every one of them by first name.
Over the last 34 years, I have helped tens of thousands of people and families through very tough times, helping them put their lives back together after a tragedy.
And, this is my “conflict” that comes when I remember and reflect back on these present and former clients while signing their card: is this a good thing to send the card, or not ?
I fear very deeply that instead of sharing the joy of the season, my card I send to them each year may really be only rekindling the grief and anguish of the event, the tragedy, the loss of life, limb, or of health, that brought these people to me in the first place.
I truly hope not.
I sincerely hope and trust that they do not connect me with the bad times in their lives, but rather with the good times as we together fought to achieve the best we could in finding justice and helping them recover, move on, and enjoy a better life as much as they could in light of the circumstances.
In all, it is hope that keeps each of us pushing forward in our lives, striving to do the best we can for ourselves and for each other.
So, in this season of joy, please join me in keeping that hope alive, spread cheer and good will to all, and please, be safe.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone !!