Random thoughts going through my mind as the holidays are upon us and we are nearing yet another new year - 2014.

Holidays can be such an emotionally-charged time for many of us. I am no exception as I think about the wasted time gone by among some relatives that I wished I could have been closer to - and also mourn some relationships that are gone.

Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays are around the corner. I saw one of my favorite movies of all time (again) tonight on TV - “When Harry met Sally” - a genius movie. I relate to it every time I watch it. I just love it. It ties in with the Holidays and the New Year - as that is the final scene in the movie, ringing in the New Year. I just love hearing Frank Sinatra singing “It Had to be You” as Billy Crystal starts running to find Meg Ryan in the emotionally-charged, final scene. It always gives me goose bumps.

The following poem I have kept since seeing it and cutting it out of a New York newspaper back in 2002. It is entitled “After A While”, written by Veronica A. Shoffstall. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. I never get tired of referring to it.

“After A While”

After a while, you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul;
And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning;
And company doesn’t mean security; And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts
And presents aren’t promises;
And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open - with the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child;
And you learn to build all your roads on today - because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans; And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight; After a while, you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much;
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul - instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers; And, you learn that you really can endure…
That you really are strong,
And you really do have worth.
And you learn and learn;
With every goodbye you learn.

My best wishes for you all in the coming months of holidays. My hope is that you all have someone who cares and loves you - and is there for you.