Never The Same

     The holiday season is upon us.  That time of the year when we think it is necessary to consume more carbohydrates in thirty days than we have the entire eleven months prior.  A time when many people lose whatever was left of their grey matter and stand in line for hours, to purchase some new gadget that will lose its luster in another thirty days.   A time to bring on unnecessary stress.  A time for trees, lights and music that have been neatly tucked away in the attic, closet, garage or basement. 
     
     For most, it is a happy time of the year as they anticipate seeing friends and family that have been far away.  Or the excitement of seeing young faces filled with joy when they realize someone really did read their list.  A time of magic and wonder.

     Then, there are those who would rather fast forward to the first part of a new year, bypassing all the hubbub.  Those who have lost. Their loss comes in many forms.  It could be the loss of a loved one, through death or the fact that they just up and left.  It could be the loss of a dear friendship due to some silly misunderstanding.  It could be the loss of a job that has left them with a daunting feeling of not knowing what lies before them.  

     For whatever reason they suffer, the pieces of their hearts have been rearranged.  There are tiny gaps, or gaping holes, between the pieces that never quite fit back together.  They try to put on a happy face, but on the inside they are like the picture hanging on the wall. The picture that is just a little off kilter.  They straighten it, for outward appearances, but it does not take long for it to shift out of line.  They are like the stick of butter that has been allowed to melt on the dish and then put back into the refrigerator.  It's still butter, but it's not quite the same.

     Remember these people.  Keep their best interests in mind when it seems necessary to talk about our own good fortune.  Listen and be sincere if they feel the need to let some of their sorrow slip between the cracks and drip into the open.  Remember the reason for the season and be grateful because those who have lost are never the same.