Unopened Gifts

As I shop for and wrap up Christmas presents for my kids I can't help but think about all the gifts that will remain unopened this season. Dolls, racecar sets, video games and bicycles that will all remain under an unlit tree. All are reminders of children who once filled their homes with laughter and love. All are reminders of what was taken so quickly, and heartlessly. All are reminders of how Christmas will never be the same ever again for their families and friends.
I don't write this today to depress you, or because it's the politically correct thing to do. I don't even want to say that we should all remember how blessed we are, because that is obvious. I write this for the parents of those 20 children, to let them know that we are all with them. It's the nightmare that every decent parent fears most: to lose a child. I heard someone start to say something at a child's funeral once "Well, it's better this way, imagine if..." I had to interrupt. There's no "better" here. There's no worse. It's just horrible all around. I know sometimes people are well meaning, and they just don't know what else to say, but I think the best thing is not to say anything. I think the only thing you can say is: I'm here for you. I'm here with you.
So that's what I wanted to say to the parents in Newtown, Connecticut, and I know I speak for my family and friends: We're here with you. Our hearts and prayers are with you too.


Caren E. Salas

 

'Tis the Season

Looking over the past few posts on this blog I seem so...optimistic. Sadly, I haven't been able to post much lately, especially on this one.  Part of that was my participation in the "poem a day" challenge in November, but here it is halfway through December, and I'm only now finding time to write. The sad thing is, I really don't have the time. There are about a hundred other things I should be doing, but for my own sanity I need to do this.  I'm having a bad case of the "bah-humbug-blues". Try as I might, I'm having a hard time getting into the spirit.  This is strange for me since for most of my life, I've really enjoyed the Christmas season. Maybe it's because my kids no  longer believe in Santa Claus. Maybe it's because the holidays just seem to add to my work load. It could be my head isn't screwed on just right, it could be, perhaps that my shoes are too tight... I digress.

I don't think I'm alone feeling this way, in fact a lot of people I know seem to feel like..it just doesn't feel quite  right this year. Sometimes I want to scream at the advertisers "NO, REALLY, THAT'S NOT WHAT MOM WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS!". (Mom just wants a day off.)  I watch Christmas movies, knowing that it doesn't always end "happily ever after" even if you have all the freakin' Christmas spirit in the world. I notice that there are fewer and fewer Nativity scenes, and way too many Santa Clauses. Nothing against Santa... but a little perspective, please.

So if you are feeling like this, just know that you are not alone, and hey, call me!! (or facebook me) Or call another friend, or your mother or anyone. You'd be surprised how "not" alone you really are.  Meanwhile I know for me, a few optimistic heart cells still beat, in hopes that in the end, everything will work out; everything will be okay.  I hold on to that, turn on the Christmas music, and get through one holly jolly day at a time.


Caren E. Salas

photo: guardian.co.uk 


and http://www.fanpop.com/spots/how-the-grinch-stole-christmas/images/8139758/title/grinch-photo


quote from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" by Dr. Seuss