Originally Posted by James (Post 316677)

I wanted to leave you all with a holiday thought as you spend what is traditionally considered a Family day with your Family.

You may not always like your relatives and many times that dislike will be deserved. But the holiday season is the one time of year that people act like they are supposed to act.

Its the one time of the year that people behave as if they are the people they really think they should be.

I lost my mother at age four. I lost my father at age eleven and my legal guardian shortly after attaining my majority.

I can honestly say that I would dearly love the luxury of being able to have conflict with my parents like many of you do.

But alas, they are dead. So both conflict and love are impossible.

So as someone that must spend holidays alone in a form of spiritual isolation I give you aword of advice.

Spend a little extra time cherishing your reltives this year. And remember that time never offers us a second chance . . at anything.

So what you put of saying or doing now, may never get said or done.

So seize this prescious moment and express a little more love or caring.

And when all else fails, fake it. Act as if you aren't angry and bitter. Because when you finally get over it, it may be too late to show you care.

Give them an extra hug for me.

Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!