I awakened this morning long before my regular time; however, last night I set my alarm for 30 minutes later, just in case. I was showered, dressed, and lost in thought long before my alarm went off at 5:30.
I'm not making this up, in the early hours of the morning, the sound of Andy Williams singing, "It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year," rolled around inside my head. I know what you're thinking. Don't try to be funny! I was not having a psychotic episode. I'm also not really the grinch that stole Christmas.
For many years, I would have opted to hit the fast forward button between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, but that option didn't exist. Christmas time always brought forward memories of the Christmas bombing raids of 1972 over North Vietnam. That event forever altered our intact family of origin.
Perhaps the catalyst to my thoughts this morning was memory of the gingerbread house on display in the basement of one of the House Office Buildings. I stopped to take a picture before I made my way on through the tunnel to another House Office Building. The gingerbread house was impressive.
Interestingly, research reflects that people are generally happier around Christmas time than at any other time of the year. We sing a Christmas carol that begins: "Deck the halls with boughs of holly - Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la - 'Tis the season to be jolly…"
I was startled with the sound of my alarm when it subsequently went off at 5:30. It did not make the usual annoying sound it always makes. I haven't changed any settings on my phone. Consequently, I don't have an explanation.
The alarm brought with it the sound of Patsy Cline singing my favorite song that she recorded. It is the song entitled: "I Fall To Pieces."
The sound served as a reminder that this Christmas season for some, won't be associated with holiday cheer. For those of us who are in a better place, we have the resourcefulness to come along side others at the point of need. Kindness and emotional support can make an incredible difference for those who struggle.
All My Best!
Don
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