Christmas Cheer

[Officer Dibble]

"My mother passed away a couple of months ago and my Dads bungelow hasn't a shred of tinsel and nor does he want it.

This magical season can seem very harsh to people who are alone, haven't much money, or who have poor health, etc."

The Christmas tree lights were still twinkling in the window when the ambulance crew carried our dad from the family home for the very last time (3rd January 2000). But he loved Xmas and the Christmas spirit. You could see his face light up when old friends would drop by to share a can or three of Stones' best - be they his friends or his sons friends. It was with heavy hearts that we packed the decorations away that year. But come next December we had the Crimbo tree up like a shot - which is what he would have wanted and expected.

It's true that the tantalizing happiness, togetherness, and Xmas spirit can be a cruel reminder to some people of how awful and lonely their circumstances are - hence the elevated suicide rate at Christmas. So let's spare a thought for them, however unattractive they may seem throughout the rest of the year. Spare a thought for the old folk who have no friends and relations left, for the socially inept, alone in their bedsits and the winos on the cold park bench as they sit and sup with the ghost of Christmas past.

I trust you and your kids will have a wonderful, happy day tomorrow, blue. Savor every precious moment, for it may not always be so. Wasn?t it Dickens who said ?When happiness shows up be sure to offer it a comfortable seat.??

Merry Xmas all.





Officer Dibble

[Sam Slater]

I'm almost suicidal after reading that, Wazza.

Let's hope you've cheered by the 27th!

[Sam Slater]

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