Away For The Holidays,

You Know, I dont we really think much about ones who are alone during the holidays. We are so involved in our own holiday happiness, that alot of us do not take the time to consider the ones who are alone.
I, myself, have always had my family around. I remember once when a kid was living in Missouri and parents in California, but they flew me home for the holidays, so I had Christmas with the family in Missouri, then flew out the next day to California to my parents and sister here.
And as I grew up and had my own family, and believe me, my ex husband came from a family of 8 children, so always was a house full at Birthdays, and all Holidays.. But if you or someone is away for the Holiday or special occassion, it does hurt. You may not seem someone showing it much, but think they just put on a happy face, but deep down, it hurts, it hurts bad. I know, first hand.
Afte me and my ex split, I remember the first time he wanted the kids to go and spend a few days with him just before Christmas, he lived about 6 hours drive away, so not like could bring them home every night. It was terrible.. I remember being so depressed that I laid in bed every day, all day and all night. Only getting up to use bathroom and a quick nibble to eat. Not even putting the tv on except maybe twice the whole time for about an hour at most each time. I just lay there so sad, yet alot of family on ex's side was close by, but would not call and let them know how much I was hurting..
Since then, have almost always had kids with me as live closer to ex so they could see him more, but now grown up and two married and kids or kids on way. So they have their own lives but we live close by and visit all time. and have one that lives with me still.
Why, you may wonder am I bringing this up now. Well, recently I have found someone who I care for and love very much, and the bad thing is,, get this, not spent any time with each other, but the feeling of longing for him is there, and wanting to spend the rest of my life with him. Now, I feel the lonliness of ones who are away for the Holidays, as he is in India to help with his brothers wedding, and I will not see him till Jan, maybe even Feb. And the fact that Christmas is two days away.. it hurts inside to know he is not here to share it with me. Of course he has gifts under the tree, which he will open when arrives, but the overall feeling, the loss of a loved one at this time,, if it be by death, away to war, away in other parts of the world, or just away as not able to make it, its a sad and lonely feeling to know they are not with you.
I chat with a few friends on the internet, and I know they are single, and I find myself asking them if they have somewhere to go for the holidays, as I feel for them, the lost child feeling of sitting home alone during this time. And the ones who say will be home,, I wish I had the money and power, would bring each one of them to my home and spend the holidays with me, for I wish no one the lonliness and sadness of being alone at this time.
I have my kids here, but find they may be spending alot of Christmas day with their dad this year, so makes me miss my fiance even more. Wishing he was here to celebrate this day with me.
And the comfort I feel when I close my eyes and imagine him here by me.
Do we sit and really think about how many are alone, or homeless at this time of year, NO. I dont think we really think enough about it. Sure we give a can of food to a bank to feed them, but what about the ones who are sitting alone... No one, should ever have to feel that sadness. So you see, in a way,, no matter what the reason,, they are away for the holidays..
And I think we need to each take a moment and say Hey,, what can we do for them, even if we dont bring them to our homes, cant we take a minute if see one alone on the street and stop by and say Hi, and maybe buy them a cup of coffee and some soup. For you see, I feel, no man, woman or child, should be away for the holidays. They should have some type of family, if not their own, the someone who cares enough to take the time to sit with them and give the feeling of being wanted, even if just for a few minutes.
So, each and every one who reads this, I ask of you, the next holiday you see someone alone, take a minute and say Hi, offer a cup of tea or coffee, and let them know someone cares, I do guarantee, you will feel better when you go to sleep that night.
My whole life, I have given alittle here, and there, some food to money for kids trying to buy mom a gift and not have enough. And my life has not been easy, but I feel good inside, that I did my part to try and not let them be alone.. Now, I ask you to do the same......
Happy Holidays.