Many,
many years ago, my parents were professors living in Thailand. I wasn't
even in their life yet - so you know it was awhile back! :-)
In the 1950s, there wasn't much of a
Western presence in Bangkok and my mother was feeling particularly
lonely during the holidays.
They decided to go out on December 25th
just to get some feeling of celebrating. They were from Chicago so the
90+ degree heat and oppressive humidity didn't feel particularly
seasonal. As they headed home she wasn't feeling much better.
When they arrived home, there was quite
a surprise. Their Buddhist students had researched what happens at
Christmas and brought them food and gifts.
Last week I sent out an email that included an article, 99 Ways to Cope with Stress. The feedback was incredible. [Thank you to those who pointed out the typos!]
While this can be a wonderful time of
the year, for many it is lonely and people feel isolated. This year I
am very grateful to be adopted by a friend of my mother's.
Please consider a random act of kindness
at this time of year. Reach out to someone who could use a call or
note. It will be remembered and appreciated for many years. Please also
think about those who are on their own - single people often feel
overlooked.
Sawasdee (this is a greeting in Thai) and Happy Holidays! ~ Diane
P.S. Thailand means "Land of the Free" - I wish you freedom and joy in 2006. | 
