Apologies and Merry Christmas

Last Friday I sent my newsletter as usual. Bright and early.

Then I disappeared. Didn’t read a single comment, much less reply, which is totally unlike me, because I look forward to the conversations we have here on Fridays.

Sometimes, one phone call can turn your world upside down.

Tragedy and grief pay no mind to the calendar. They don’t particularly care that it’s the middle of December, Christmas music is playing everywhere and our hearts are supposed to be merry and bright instead of broken and hurting.

That’s what happened.

So I wanted to say sorry for the total and utter radio silence last week. And thank you for understanding, because I know you do. Who of us has not suffered loss?

I’m not very conversational, but tomorrow is Christmas Eve for those who celebrate and I didn’t want to let the weekend pass without sending you holiday wishes. Because if you’re reading this, you mean something to me.

You have given me the gifts of your attention, your thoughts and your friendship and I appreciate you. You enrich me. I didn’t expect to make so many new friends when I started writing on Substack, but here we are. Life is full of nice surprises.

If I could send you a Christmas wish, it would go something like this... I wish you twinkling lights and a cup of something warm to wrap your hands around. I wish you good food in your belly and peace in your heart. I hope you fling open the door in the dark of night to wish on a star. And if you do that at midnight Central, you’ll be wishing on a star at the same time as I will be. I do it every Christmas Eve.

But mostly, I wish you long, warm hugs from those you love, whether they have two legs or four. Because when it really comes down to it, it was never about what’s under the tree, but who is around it. Time. That’s the real gift, isn’t it?

Thank you for being you, and thank you for finding me.

Happy Holidays.

xo
Linda

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