I know that many of you are dreading the coming holidays and will just be glad to have them behind you. Empty chairs where loved ones used to sit are just so hard to see.

This article was in my October issue of the SOS Newsletter of Dane County.

How I Celebrate
by Dennis Gates

As a survivor of the death of my son Justin by suicide, I believe I have been deeply, personally touched by a fatal illiness. This feeling persists even though it has been over 15 years since his death. The lessons learned about the fragility and preciousness of life are as real for me now as ever. But the question remains for all of us, how to apply these lessons.

One of the formerly unchanging truths I have let go of is my obligation to join in holiday celebrations set up by other people. According to the myth, if I do not participate, I am not honoring life. The truth is I have my own special ways of honoring life. If I am true to these, I don't have to be unsociable, but I also don't have to accept someone else's formula for what I should be doing.

The first step in not being run over by the holidays is not to be caught unaware. As I write this article in August, I realize that the holiday retail season will be in full swing by the time you read my words in October. As the season goes on, I hope you are able to find the peace of doing things the way you need to.

*************************

His article made me think of Davids' signature line.....you take care of you!

Hugs for the room.