Editor, The Times:
They say that Christmas will soon be here—a time of year that means much to many and means little to many more.
A time of loud celebrations and family joy. A time of peace and worship.
Many are so busy life becomes a blur.
It is also a time for family and for sadness.
The singular thing that sticks in my mind is a present neatly wrapped and yet forlorn.
The present sits on the edge of the road.
The wrapping slightly torn and scuffed.
It sits alone, forgotten, someone’s memory, someone’s gift of love.
It sits there amid trauma and flashing lights and loud voices and sounds.
The present sits there because someone was in too much of a hurry to get to where they going.
Perhaps they had a bit too much drink or had a moment of distraction.
Whatever the cause someone will not get the present, someone will not come home ever again.
When you travel this season take extra time, extra care.
Have consideration for others who may be having their own difficulties.
Think of the first responders called away from their families to render aid to those who have faced uncertain trauma.
Kevin Deckert,
First Responder
