I realize that some people are stressed out, even depressed around the holidays. I also see that just because it's Christmas doesn't mean that the day to day passing of beloved ones ceases. Some times when we read the FML and talk to friends it seems like these bad times are magnified times ten around this time of year. Its not that more ferrets die, or that more bad things happen this time of year than any other. I think we have this kid in us who has the high hopes and expectations that Christmas should be ... pure. You know, so special, and without tragedy. So when a tragedy does occur, it seems to hit us so much harder. I was discussing this with Kat Parsons. I was at unrest because someone I care about so much (Rebecca McFalane) lost her kit today, one week before Christmas. I felt for her. I felt for the baby ferret. Kat said something. Something that had a huge impact on me. When she said it, I felt this enormous weight lifted off my shoulders. I can't explain it. And whats really powerful about this occurance with me, is that I'm not very religious. So I thought maybe... if I shared it, it might help someone else. I know it was one of the best Christmas presents ever when Kat gave me this. So here is the foundation for what she said to me. It's a quote she heard at a funeral: ---------------- When you want a bouquet for your table, you go out into your garden and pick the best flowers for it... When God wants a bouquet for His table, He also goes out and picks the best. ---------------- Kats reply back to me when I told her about my sadness and unrest about tragedies and losses during the Christmas season, was a very simple and eloqent one..... " maybe it is because God wants special people and babies with Him for His Christmas..." Wolfy Wolfy's site has MOVED to: http://wolfysluv.jacksnet.com/ [Posted in FML issue 4001]