December 2nd 2020

I spent today

Finishing a pile of lists

That all had only 1 or 2

Things on them.

A quick sandwich at burger king

And then remicade at 1.

The infusion went well,

But I was so cold

Every part of my body was aching.

I came home and slept until 8pm.

Every once in a while,

I take a peek out of 

My purple clouded world

Amongst the unicorns and bunnies.

I always come back with my

Head spinning with the one question

That I cannot fathom.

Why?

There is so many basic human

Things we can do for each other,

Qualities we should be passing on

To another generation.

Let's stop saying

"Millennial are snowflakes"

 "Baby boomers are stingy"

 "Kids just don't get it today"

Maybe it's time to focus

On being the kind of people we want

Around us and ensuring

That our family, immediate

Or extended or chosen 

know HOW to depend on us and

That family comes before

Money, pride and unfulfilled expectations.

This time of the year

Gives us a time for change,

And for taking a moment

To make sure YOUR people

Have every opportunity

To reclaim any part of the holidays

They may want to be a part of.

Money IS NOT the way

To show love when buying gifts,

Money WILL NEVER

Make someone happier than they are,

Money is only a MEANS

To do things.

Love is all anyone really needs.

Money will buy a gift

But not the love of another human being.

A gift is only as appreciated as much

As the thought you put into it.

$1 to buy a favourite gift 

From a childhood memory

Wil bring more to the gift receiver

Than $100 in lottery tickets.

Being there,

Even just to pop in for cookies,

Is worth more to someone

(In their heart)

Than you could pack in hundreds

Of wrapped gifts!

Sending a card and photo

To isolated family members

Will mean more to that person

Than any perfectly thought out

Expensive trinket.

It is such a simple gift.

Even a chocolate bar 

with a perfectly tied bow

That you find on your doorstep

With no note

Helps create wonder this holiday season

And may lift the spirits

Of someone who needed it that day.

Today

Was my day to realize

That the way John and I 

Think about and use money

Is not how others may have been shown.

My time is invalueable

So I NEVER put a price tag on it.

My time is precious

So I only give it to those who want it now.

How are YOU teaching

Those you love to give of themselves?

What are you doing this season

To make someone's life special?

When will your family learn

If you don't start teaching them now?

Where do you need 

To adjust your priorities in life?

Who will you give a heartfelt gift

To this holiday?

Good night from John Street

Where sometimes tears

Are from joy

Are from sadness

And sometimes are juts heartfelt.