Millions of Americans are affected by illness or pain, severe enough to limit their activities to a great degree.
Millions of Americans are alone or have limited contacts with other people.
Holidays for many people are indeed "just like any other day," although most of these same people wish it was different.
In families that are close -- emotionally and who live close-by -- plans revolve around aspects of the holiday. Winter holidays center around harried females (mostly females) who've planned, cooked, and presented large meals. Celebrations are made indoors, with families often visiting from house to house as they re-connect to loved ones, and possibly church activities. Spring holidays might include church services also, and the celebratory meal at home. By summer, picnics top the list as the number one family activity in observance of a holiday (and often, picnics are planned even when there is no specific holiday - LOL). Family reunions have traditionally been a summer-to-fall event, depending on schedules and families' preferences. Overall, there are plenty of holidays when families get together to enjoy each other's company and spend time with each other.
Persons who are ill or have no family don't have these activities to look forward to as a marker of a holiday. While banks and businesses are closed, and workers take long weekends for family get-togethers, a large number of Americans are, at best, observers of holiday activities rather than participants. Often, the TV is the only companion; the errant wrong number the only contact with the outside world during a holiday. No one comes to the door. There is little interaction with the outside world.
Last night, today and tonight, fire works displays will light up skies from coast to coast, reflecting in eyes of all who are able to get outside to watch. Those who are homebound may be able to watch through a window or maybe their porch, far distant from not only the sounds and colors but also from the interactions common within crowds on such ocassions. However, a large majority of very ill or very alone people will only see fireworks as shown on television.
It's difficult to be an observer only. An ill, elderly or person without family doesn't want to be on the fringe of activities; circumstances prevent participation, not one's heart. One's heart wants to see, hear, comment, discuss -- participate!
Oh, time is filled with other things. Some may sleep to pass the day, while others fill time with hobbies, reading, etc. Their circumstances to a large degree controls what they are able to do, and therefore limits their "choices" of activities. But time is passed, however the person chooses to spend that time. Eventually, the holiday is over. Or, is that 'thankfully over'?
As you celebrate today, who can you think of in your neighborhood who is alone? Who is ill? Who is homebound, unable to get out? Is there a chance that you could pick up the phone and give them a call today? Or, could you pack a picnic basket and go visit that person? Could you take a celebration to them, so they can participate to a small, modified, degree in the larger activities of the holiday? Maybe you could buy one of the little flags stores sell, and pick up some candles and cupcakes, and take those along on your visit for the person to enjoy. Maybe you could go to a video store so you can watch a new movie with the person you are visiting. Or--- maybe --- maybe you could just stop by for a leisurely chat, just keeping them company for awhile, helping them to pass the time..... but a whole lot more pleasantly than passing the time alone.
People you could visit today:
1. A veteran at home or in a veteran's hospital.
2. An elderly person.
3. A member of your extended family who has no immediatefamily.
4. Anyone ill, alone, and unable to go out. There are plenty of personal care homes, nursing homes, hospitals and hospices where people have no visitors.
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