Wow! Mother Nature was sure good to us for almost all of December, and Santa found his way to all the kids homes, even without snow. But she sure gave us a taste of everything winter on Monday with snow, sleet, hail, rain and wind that could knock you over.
When anything happens that causes extra problems for all of us, it seems to bring out the best in people, and then it doesn’t seem so bad. I had the pleasure of witnessing two such kindnesses on Monday.
As I was leaving the grocery store, a mom carrying groceries in one hand was struggling to keep herself and a little guy from slipping and falling, and an older lady, who was heading to the store, just came and took the grocery bag from her and followed her to her car, gave her a hug, and sloshed her way back to the store. I drove home with a smile on my face, which only grew bigger when I turned the corner on my street. There was one of my neighbors out with his snowblower clearing the slushy, slippery snow/ice mix off everyone’s sidewalk, while the wind and rain was hitting him in the face. Thanks Brian, or Frank — whoever was under that scarf.
I am a believer in “us,” and know that if there was a newspaper or TV station that reported only all the good news and good that people do, neither would ever run out of news because there really is more good than bad in our country.
Where does all the Christmas joy go so quickly? So many special programs and church services, so much beautiful music, so many TV specials, bright and lovely outdoor decorations, kids being good, smiles for strangers, shopping for an angel tree name, extra items for the food pantry, and more. I especially love having family gather, and can’t get enough of watching the little ones (and even the big ones) open their gifts and get so wide-eyed when it’s just what they hoped for. The extra hugs are a treasure. And the delicious meals, yummy desserts, eating and eating — and eating. Phone calls and seeing loved ones who live far away on a cellphone is still amazing to me, and a true joy.
But in the next day or two, it all starts fading away with no more specials, decorations beginning to disappear, and even the giving spirit not as strong. I truly wish the holiday spirit would last at least until the new year so that we all keep smiles in our hearts and a year long giving spirit. No, if I’m honest, I wish it would last all 12 months of the year. Just calling someone who lives alone, or taking a meal to someone ill, or offering to baby-sit for a frazzled mom, or listening to someone who is hurting won’t cost any money but can be far more important, and far more needed, than anything else.
“He who saves a single life saves an entire world” were words that Oskar Schindler of “Schindler’s List” lived by — and lives are saved by caring. … Just some food for thought.
As the 2015 comes to an end today, there are many of you who will be enjoying one last party while the New Year is welcomed in. I’m sure all of us are smart enough not to over imbibe with alcoholic drinks and then drive, but others on the road might not be that smart , so please be extra careful tonight and be aware of every vehicle that is sharing the road with you. We want you around for a long time yet.
So have a happy and blessed New Year, and I hope you have a great day because you deserve it. Thanks for reading. Fly your flag.
Lorrie Woycik is a freelance columnist for the Post-Tribune.