Happy Holidays! Even If It Doesn't Feel Like It So Much.
A heartfelt message to all. Especially those who are struggling with hardships during this festive time of the year. 🤗
Back in August, Donetta and I had the opportunity to visit the North Pole to see if I was on the naughty or nice list again this year, which obviously I was because my Modus Operandi is to always break the rules. So no real shocker there!
But despite the not so delightful report I received from Santa himself, our visit was still exciting and filled with wonderful memories. What’s not to love about this little Alaska town of 2,700 people keeping the Christmas Spirit alive every single day?
Did you think I meant the real North Pole??? It’s too damn cold to go there!! 🥶
Anyways. As I look back on our adventures and travel memories for 2024, I realize that even though I truly deserve a stocking filled with coal, I’ve been blessed more than ever imagined and I’m grateful.
Still I remember when the holidays for me weren’t very cheerful.
Times with no lights, only horrific darkness. Days with no hope, only deep despair. Moments with no joyful noise, only groaning sadness. This was one of two times in my life I held a loaded gun pointed to my head, ready to pull the trigger.
The death of someone you really love is painful enough, but it’s even worse when it happens right before Christmas, when your supposed to be gathering as a family.
When my dad died of a sudden heart attack on December 7, 1991, at the age of 51, I blamed myself because I didn’t act quickly enough to call an ambulance, nor did I really listen to what he said days before when he complained about chest pain and not feeling right. Dad never talked about something like that so it did not compute. The guilt I carried for his death was unbearable.
If I just did things differently …
The only thing that saved my own life thirty-three years ago was a movie I’d never seen before and one I’ve loved ever since. A Wonderful Life.
I can still clearly remember those difficult days like it was yesterday and how I felt like there was no reason to live, and even though I was surrounded by people who really loved me, George Bailey was the one who gave me any sense of hope.
Over the years I’ve lost other people I love around the holidays.
John Griffis was my friend and one of the only Christians I’ve ever known to actually love people regardless of who they were or where they came from. I don’t like many church people, but I loved John because he was different. He had a freak accident, falling from the roof while putting up Christmas lights, and died at the age of 48. It really broke my heart.
Yet tragedy always seems to be around the corner.
Three weeks ago, right before Thanksgiving, my 85 year old mother slipped off the edge of a bed and broke her hip. There were high risks with the surgery, especially since she had heart issues and a pacemaker put in last year. But she’s also survived breast cancer, a world war, and living in the Australian outback. Mom is tough as they come but you just never know what could happen. Thankfully she’s recovering.
And just this week, Donetta shared the news with me about a couple of friends who just lost loved ones, some who were way too young. It’s absolutely heartbreaking!
What I’ve learned in the last three decades of my life is uncertainty is certain.
My Dutch grandmother used to constantly tell us, “Every day is a gift. If you have your health and family, you have everything.” I thought she was crazy but now I know exactly what she meant. And she’s absolutely right.
Every day is a gift. We must remember that.
This is why we urge you to always make the most of every opportunity, whether that’s telling a family member you love them, spending time with a friend you haven’t seen in a while, or chasing after your dreams.
Tomorrow is not guaranteed.
For those who are hurting.
There are no words I can say that will provide any real comfort or peace. No amount of prayer, bead shaking, sage burning, or cliche sayings will help you in this time of suffering and hardship. I’m truly sorry.
Please know you are loved by someone and not alone, even though you might feel otherwise in these dark times. And eventually the darkness will turn to light again.
If you need someone to listen to you or to talk with, reach out to someone you trust, or you can even direct message me if you like.
As I watch A Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve, I’ll be thinking of you.
For the rest of you.
Be grateful for the happy moments you’re experiencing today and enjoy every moment with the people you care about. Please don’t forget those in your life who need your love. They are waiting for it.
Take time to reflect on the great things you’ve experienced and the blessings you have, because they are there. I promise you that. 🎁
If you know someone who might be hurting or sad, reach out to them. It could make a difference you never expected.
Finally, thank you for taking time out of your day to read this publication and being a part of this community. Donetta and I appreciate you all!!!
We look forward to sharing more in 2025 and the adventures ahead. Hopefully we’ll have the chance to meet you somewhere on the road and share our stories.
Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays. Happy Festivus.
I've been to North Pole, Alaska. Santa said I was a good girl and I still believe him.