Dear editor:

This Christmas season has been rough for me. I have seen so many lights and displays, but I feel alone in a crowd. My family is not here with me, and all I have for companionship is my dog.

I wonder if anybody else goes through this type of thing. Oh yes, I know in my head there must be people like that. But I don’t see it. 

I wonder why sometimes I feel alone in a crowd, even a church crowd. I try not to get caught up in all the festivities. Maybe I just think too much.

I don’t want to be too morose here. But gone are former times where many relatives sat around the table, mom would bring out her best silver, and the cousins and aunts and uncles would be all laughing seeing each other perhaps for the first time in a long time. They had us kids set a separate table. Then the ladies would do all the dishes and the men, totally stuffed, would watch football.

I do enjoy seeing all the lights and even hearing about Santa visiting children. And I do enjoy the many activities that take place this time of the year. But for the life of me, I can’t figure out why even during these times, even when I talk to people, I still feel alone.

So in closing, I would just say this. If you see someone who is homeless or destitute, reach out to them. Like with Salvation Army bell ringers where most people walk by without giving a glance, I would say and urge each reader to use peripheral vision when they are in a crowd. Maybe they’ll see someone like me, and they’ll take action. Even if it’s only a hello a handshake or a hug, that means so much to people that are in this condition.

Thank you for spreading joy where there is none. And thank you for being selfless even when you have things to do. This should happen all year long, and I would like to see that before I die. Not that I’m planning to die, but I want to see the American people come together in true selflessness.

So reach out. You’ll be glad you did.

Tom Ashley

Cody