Tag: died

A few weeks ago, my father, aka Big Daddy, "graduated from the school of life with honors," as I refer to it. He was quietly a remarkable man who raised four successful kids, surviving the death of his oldest son 36 years ago, and continuing to live with honor, dignity and integrity. After living with cancer for 13 years and having a few health scares over that time, my family and I were somewhat prepared for his mortality, and when his body was too tired from his long and graceful fight, we knew it was time for him to go.

Everyone feels lonely at times, but loneliness can worsen on holidays, such as Christmas, when people enjoy celebrating in the company of others. Maybe you are single. Maybe you have no family or none close, or you are alienated from them. Maybe you have few or no friends or have recently lost a loved one. Maybe your spouse is overseas in the military. Perhaps you are ill and cannot get out of the house.

What can you do? Of course, with today's technology you can connect with friends and loved ones through a variety of options, such as phone, e-mail, Facebook, Twitter or Skype. You can think of acquaintances who might want to celebrate with you, even in some small way, but perhaps you have been afraid to call. Why let your initial fear stop you?