I know that you basically exist to make sure Christmas wishes come true for all good children...but I wonder if this 'big kid' could also impose upon you a little for a small miracle. For you see, I'm a senior citizen who resides in an adult home. I pretty much enjoy my surroundings and am generally happy with my circumstances, but my family is growing more and more distant from me. It's not that I don't have any family, mind you; I certainly do! Children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. But they hardly communicate with me directly, anymore.
At first, a few years ago, I learned to accept that they couldn't come visit anymore because of their busy schedules. That's understandable. Then eventually they didn't bother to invite me to any of their social events and functions, probably because I move so much slower now. It's bothersome for them to have to put up with that, right?
But...things are far worse, lately.
No one takes time to write letters or send sentiments in the mail via cards much anymore...so I miss out. I so used to enjoy seeing their handwriting and reading over and over what they had to say when they wrote.
No one phones me much anymore because a good conversation requires a certain amount of attention be paid to the other person...so I miss out. I so used to enjoy the excitement of hearing their voices when they called.
I don't have a computer in which to receive emails with pictures of important events that they've celebrated...so I miss out. I so used to enjoy looking through the pictures of their smiling faces over the years.
Because of my fixed income I can only afford a landline phone that doesn't receive text messages...so I miss out. I so used to enjoy learning what was happening as their lives unfolded.
During the rare occasion of actually being in their company, I often feel lonely anyway, because most of the time they are busy checking Facebook, Twitter or Skype even though I'm in the same room...so I miss out. I so used to enjoy any moment with them in person.
Santa, are there any small miracles left in your goodie bag for someone like me? I'm not asking you to turn back the hands of time, nor even to slow it down. But, my time here grows short and before I leave this earth I'd like to spend some quality time with my family. I'd like to get to know them and to have them know me, personally. I know this is a lot to ask and that you are very busy, but if there is any way that you could let my family know I'm still interested and enthusiastic about their lives, I'd be so appreciative!
I'm grateful because the senior home has lots of activities and excursions to keep me busy and such, but it's no substitute for sharing life's moments with the family I love. Next year, if I'm still here, all I'd like for Christmas is to not be forgotten by my beloved family.
Thanks so much, Santa.
Your friend,
Big Kid
©2012 Debbie Ballard
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