A Holiday of Presents and Presence

The holiday season is filled with presents. Presents from neighbors, friends, colleagues, loved ones and many others. Gaily wrapped packages, bright and shiny awaiting their moment in the holiday glow.

The holiday season is also filled with presence. Presence in holiday greetings sent to people who are a part of our lives. It can be as simple as a “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukkah”, family newsletters sharing exiting news with those who are cherished or photographs proudly displaying the healthy, happy children. All messages bringing smiles to those who receive them.

For those who can not be with us, we cherish their presence in our memories. Memories of starting family traditions, lessons of love and patience, meals prepared with love and tenderness. Sharing laughter, tears, joys and happiness.

May you have a Holiday season filled with Presents and Presence!

The Promise

Over the course of my life, I have made many promises. But the most important promise has been the one that I made to myself.

A promise not to regret.

I will:

make decisions to enjoy life and all it offers
express my opinions good and bad so that my voice is heard
give thanks to people that have helped me or
enjoy those who have been a part of my life
appreciate things big and small while I still can