"So this is
Christmas
\
And what have you done
\
And what have you done
Another
year over
And a new
one just begun"
The lyrics to this famous John Lennon song took me through so many reflections and
emotions during this holiday season. I think I'm going through some deep soul searching here lately.
From which according to my husband, is brought on by my melancholy mood during the holidays
anyway.
Taking
that into consideration, I can't help but immerse myself more into
what these lyrics mean to
me nowadays. And when I do look back as to what I've done this past year, the only thing that come
to mind is an experience I've had with a patient of mine during one of my outreach calls.
me nowadays. And when I do look back as to what I've done this past year, the only thing that come
to mind is an experience I've had with a patient of mine during one of my outreach calls.
"And
so this is Christmas
I
hope you have fun
The
near and the dear ones
The
old and the young"
I can still
hear how his voice sounded over the phone. My 94 year old patient
said, "I was married for
76 years. That's more than someone else's lifetime. My wife died 7 months ago. I miss her dearly". I can't stop my tears from rolling down my face. And for a moment, I didn't think I can go on listening to him. But why can't I? He kept on living. Why can't I listen?
76 years. That's more than someone else's lifetime. My wife died 7 months ago. I miss her dearly". I can't stop my tears from rolling down my face. And for a moment, I didn't think I can go on listening to him. But why can't I? He kept on living. Why can't I listen?
"A
very merry Christmas
And
a happy New Year
Let's
hope it's a good one
Without
any fear"
And as if he
read my thoughts, He muttered, "I took care of her here in
our house, up until she became like a baby. I fed her, watched over
her, changed her diaper. All by myself ". His voice did not give
out a hint of complaint, of regret, or disappointment. It was a
voice of someone who will do everything all over again, just to see
her again.
"And
so this is Christmas
For
weak and for strong
For
rich and the poor ones
The
world is so wrong"
It was at
that moment when I realized that what I was listening to was a
reminder of how life can be beautiful yet, unfair at the same time.
Why is that?
I
don't know.
But
what I learned is that, life is beautiful when you find your one true
love.
Despite
going through The Great Depression and World War Two together, they
managed to raise three wonderful children. Each one, he said gave
them beautiful grandchildren. He worked hard. And he proudly said, "
I came home every night...My family is my life. I live for my
family.. This is home.". . And to that, I felt his strength and
determination during his younger years, trying his hardest to provide
the best for his family.
How
many people do you think can honestly say that they live for their
family. That they have a place they can call their home
"And
so happy Christmas
For
black and for white
For
yellow and red ones
Let's
stop all the fight"
If we really
did take the time, and count our blessings, do you think we'll even
have time to fight and gripe at one another? We have so much to be
thankful for.
And
I am thankful for this.
What I have
done was reach out to this gentleman, who in turn had changed me when
I needed it most. So, I am not jaded after all. That I still have
feelings, hope for humanity, love for myself.
Just like
what he said.....This is Home.
And I
say......This Is Christmas
He might not
remember me or the conversation we had that one fine day. But one
thing I know, I will remember him for the rest of my life.
What have you
done???