Although this year has been better than last, it has still held much sadness and many changes for families. Personally, we have lost several close friends and neighbors this year and it has been difficult adjusting to their absence. But we must move forward and remember to acknowledge the tremendous blessings we do have.

If we have family to help celebrate the holidays, food on the table, a warm place to call home, we are blessed. If we have good health and can care for ourselves and our families, we are blessed. If we have financial stability and all the necessities for a good life we are blessed. There are so many who have lost family members, their homes, all of their personal belongings, their income, and their way of life due to unforeseen disasters, tragedies and illnesses. What they have left is faith and hope that the days ahead will somehow get better and most try to be positive.

This Christmas season, let us remember to count our own blessings and reach out to those who need to see theirs. It isn’t the gifts under the tree that count, but those around the tree who are with us.

We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas, filled with joy, love and good health.

— Barbara and Allen