HOLIDAY BLUES

It has been some time since I talked to Stacey but I finally got a chance to check in with her to see how the daycare was going and just how life was in general.

Phone rings. Hello, said Stacey. As I began to ask her how things were going, I could hear the Emotions in the background. "Tis the season to be jolly but how can I be when I have nobody". As I listened to her talk, all I could say to myself is "Lord Please don't let this be a relapse!"

She went on to say that things were going well at the daycare center. She had been able to help several people in need. Being at the center has been keeping her very busy so she did not have a lot of time to herself. Now that the holiday season is coming, kids are not in school, so she has been able to close down early.

As I listened to her I felt a certain sense of sadness in her voice. I think Stacey was really feeling the words to that song. Stacey said," I know that I said that being alone does not mean that I am lonely. But as of right now, I am having a change of heart. With the center hours being cut back and all, I have nothing but time to think about the fact that I have no one to spend time with!"

I changed the subject and began to talk about what I planned to do this holiday season. I talked to her about joining me at the yearly holiday party at work, volunteering at a shelter or food bank, or even making holiday gifts to donate to the Children's hospital. As I went on and on, Stacey began to fade away into silence. All I could hear was Luther Van Dross singing Every Year Every Christmas. Finally Stacey began to speak, "This was one of Carl's and mines favorite holiday songs. We would play it when we were wrapping gifts, decorating the tree, hanging the mistletoe, and cooking the holiday meal. With a sigh Stacey said, "Those were definitely the good times."

When I was about to give her more details of the upcoming events, the phone beeped, it was the call waiting signal and it was an important call that I had to take. I ended the call by telling Stacey that I would give her a call back in a few days to see how she was doing. As I ended the call, I could tell that Stacey was preoccupied with her thoughts of being alone.

Okay readers, I need your help. My good friend Stacey seemed a little spacey at the end of our conversation. Should I have (1) Hurried to finish my call and call her right back?(2) Left her alone so she can sort out her thoughts?(3)Found an available friend to send over there to check on her?(4)Called her mother to check on her?(5) Hooked her up with one of my guy friends and arrange a date for them to go out?

Stay tuned for the next installment, Here we go again!

Word to the Wise: Don't let negative thoughts consume you!

Mary Jane

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