Joy Story
It’s the season of light, ironically, since, in the northern hemisphere, the days are shorter now than they will be all year. I think it’s a testament to man’s resilience: when in darkness, make light.
Back when we were still roaming the forests, this dark time must have been scary, but even a slew of technological advances can’t take away all the fear, the loss, or the anxiety that is part of the DNA of being human. Just yesterday, while in the middle of wrapping presents and watching a favorite holiday movie, I had an overwhelming moment of grief that nothing short of a few minutes of crying would quash. I miss my parents something awful this time of year, something that no amount of anything will ever change. I’m sure every one of you reading this has a similar story to tell.
This morning I read a piece published by my beautiful friend, Lydia Isales, a former colleague and fellow writer and environmental lawyer who has been waylaid these last couple years by not one, but two cancers. That she continues to get up in the morning and put a brave face on the day not just for herself but for everyone who loves her is an inspiration to me and all whose lives she touches. She channels her fear by writing works of fiction. I share her recent (and to date, only) memoir piece (on page 53) written about her journey, a very personal, very heartwrenching and human story. May it touch that place in you where we are all connected.
But it’s not all doom and gloom, eh? It’s the most wonderful time of the year to hear the songwriters tell it. And it is a wonderful season, full of hope, reflection, regeneration, and renewal. A little nostalgia, and a little joy. Isn’t that what life is?
So on to the joy! Please watch this short animated film, Joy Story. With each frame, I dare you not to feel the light bubbling up out of you.
Until the New Year, many wishes for all the light your heart can hold. Until then, we’ll have to muddle through somehow.
pam lazos 12.24.19
Green Life Blue Water 
Yup, we muddle on. 🙂 Hope the first month of 2020’s been kind to you! xxxxxx
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And to you, dear Jean. xoxo
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I missed this Pam, so I’m late to the table. I wish I could have read Lydia’s memoir; I could get it up on the laptop screen but unable to manage the screen so that the words enlarged and flowed. I’ll try again – if at first and all that. Will try my ipad later. Those who do keep on keeping on in spite of difficulties have my deepest admiration.
All best festive season wishes to you and family 🙂
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You will be floored so do try again when you can. 😍
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I Love Judy Garland… Evergreen. Happy Holidays!
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You, too, Damyanti. 🎄❤️
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Wonderful, thank you dear friend and wish you a leisurely Xmas holidaysy. Sincerely Aladin 🙏❤🤗🙏❤
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Thank you, Aladin.🥰
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You are much appreciated, you know; I must work these days and to read watch such a wonderful story in my short rest gives me energy to go on 🤗🥰😘🙏❤
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You are stronger💪 than you know, Aladin!🙏
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Hi Pam, thanks for providing a link to my essay and thanks to those who read it. It made me sad to think of you missing your parents so deeply, but the grief never leaves does it?Your posts always make me feel hopeful for humanity. So I will join you in saying On to the Joy!
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Love you to the moon and back, Lydia. A toast to your amazing and resilient spirit. 🥂
Yesterday I read something Ram Dass said about trees. Sometimes they get all gnarled by trying to grow their way to the light, but they don’t think any differently about themselves or their looks because they are trees. People on the other hand just think, “look at me; I’m all gnarled now.” People need to think more like trees.
He said it much more eloquently, but you get the point. Today, let’s be like trees.🌳 🌲 🎄❤️❤️❤️
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Merry Christmas, Pam
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And to you, Michael. Keep gracing the world with your beautiful photography. 🥰
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Thanks for the compliment…hope to in 2020. Loved the sunrise.
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I enjoyed this post Pam despite the tinge of sadness found within. I must admit that I have never heard that version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” done by Judy Garland, but parts of that song have always filled me with profound sadness as well … “the line ending in “if the fates allow” in particular. I read the excerpt of your friend’s medical woes – how sad and disheartening as she was about to embark on a new phase of her life, and how resilient she is to carry on, despite this double whammy. Would I have that strength – I just don’t know. Though I often say that the internet could very well be the undoing of humans sometimes, at least comparing notes with others helped to alleviate your friend’s seemingly endless “surprises” and side effects. I wish her well. I like the animated video – it gave me a smile. Merry Christmas to you and your family Pam.
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Thank you, Linda, and the same to you. 🎄🎁😍I agree that the internet does often help us to move closer to each other. Thanks for reading Lydia’s piece. Somehow I think, just knowing and feeling compassionate helps to ease a bit of suffering. 😍
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I agree with you Pam … it helps to know you are not in this world all alone.
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🌲🎁🎄❤️
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Despite the numerous flaws of humanity, we definitely always find ways to lighten up the darkness. Very cool post!
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Thank you.🙏⭐️
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She was my best and truest frined and she and her husband , who we had known for over 30 years both sadly died within days of one another xxxxxxxxxxxx ANyway. bring on the light and the love.xxx
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Oh my gosh, that is heartbreaking. I hope that you can stay connected to her in spirit. This morning, I swear I heard, as if In the distance, the sound of a choir singing. 😳 No one was up but me so no one was playing any music. Just another dimension, maybe?!🤔❤️
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Pam, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx We do indeed all do our best to make it a world of light and joy, finding so much in it in every way, in those we meet, whose lives we get to share in whatever way we share them. Love to you and yours. May you have a wonderful Christmas xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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😘😘🎁💃🌲🌲🌲🥳🥳🥳⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Oh my. Judy. Lovely Judy. The beset to you and yours and your friend. I lost my best friend recently and like that she did as yours. xxxxx
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Oh, Shey I’m so sorry. It’s a toxic world we live in but we do our best to make it less so. Love to you and the Mr. and the wee babies. May love and light surround you all. ⭐️❤️😘
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