The lady I can't stop thinking about

Today is November 25th; we are of course one month away till Christmas Day. For many of you, it can't come soon enough. Other's are probably so busy, you're not sure you'll have everything ready in time.

Then there are the others....the 'walking wounded.' These are people who are suffering; either physically or emotionally.

While on my trip to New Orleans, I met many wonderful people. Among them, a lady I had lunch with one day; there were actually five of us that afternoon. At the end if the meal I asked 'does anyone have any special plans for Christmas?' The lady I can't forget responded with 'I wish I could go to sleep December 23rd and wake up January 2nd'. My heart sank. I felt horrible for broaching a potentially hurtful subject. The LAST thing I ever want to do is make someone feel sad.

I saw the lady the next day and she explained why Christmas is so hard. She has suffered an unimaginable loss and she is grieving. You'd never know it to look at her. She's engaging, energetic and very pleasant.

It reminded me that at ANY given time, someone is hurting. In fact, I once heard that at any given time, half of the world's population is considered to be the 'walking wounded'.

I share this today so that if 'you're' sad, please know you're not alone. Please reach out and talk to someone. Talking and sharing helped 'save me'. If you're fortunate enough to be joyful today, embrace EVERY second.

As for me, I'm currently in Houston, en-route to Atlanta to celebrate American Thanksgiving with my Baby Sister. Suffices to say, I'm VERY HAPPY and grateful today.