[1]Winter brings lots of SAD people.....People affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasonal_affective_disorder [2]
Imagine being a senior citizen limited in your resources to mobilize and get out and enjoy life at large.
Imagine being homebound and unable to get out and enjoy some fresh air.
Imagine the early darkness that consumes long days in the winter.
Imagine the phone not ringing to ask how you are doing because the rest of the world is too busy shopping and celebrating holidays with their big families--while you sit isolated and alone.
Imagine no one knocking on your door to see if you are alright.
Imagine wondering day and night if anyone loves you because your family is all gone.
Imagine not having a sense of community to thrive amongst.
Imagine not having extra money and choosing between you and your pet eating....your only companion.
Imagine trying to help others to fill those lonely moments.
Imagine what it's like to lose the holiday spirit to decorate or not being able to afford the extra utility bills that come along in the winter.
Imagine the snow barricading you in more.
Imagine getting anxieties about even leaving the house, answering the phone, or making calls after years of living this way.
Imagine what it's like to be imprisoned into this lifestyle as an isolated elderly or disabled person.
Imagine seeking help and going through the embarrassment of not being able to do it all on your own.
Imagine clinging to little things like the internet for outside attention.
Imagine being shot down because you are unable to measure up to other's expectations.
Imagine people devaluating your attempts to be a part of the big picture and thrwarting you for your efforts that were meant with the best of intentions.
Imagine having to self adjust to measure up to those expectations and change the way you have been acting....to sustain those endearing communications that make your life seem important.
Imagine deciding to quit instead of fighting with others. Imagine it all crumbling and deteriorating your spirit.
Imagine living alone without these resources of comaraderie to keep you from feeling alone.
Imagine that you were NOT blessed with health, wisdom, and tolerance.
Imagine....that you were old, vulnerable, and alone....it's not fricken fun.
Imagine how that would feel.....and take into consideration an elder's feelings enough to have that tolerance which they are pushing the limits of with their "childlike" behavior.
Imagine allowing your humanity to bend or adjusting enough to find a resolve.
Imagine your patience being revitalized by God's grace.
Imagine your love being extended to these folks.
Imagine your sensitivity to their loneliness being cultivated.
Imagine your immeasurable consideration being extended just a little more.
Imagine the life you just might save with a smile being extended to people imprisoned in their minds.
Imagine how your hugs could lift their spirit.
Imagine your selfishness being set aside to respect their unselfishness.
Imagine so much....
Imagine being affected by SAD.................
Give your imagination a try....
Give someone a hug, a smile, and some consideration for this holiday season....They are priceless treasures in a world too busy to share their time.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you...........Don't lose your holiday spirit or patience this year....share it.