Whirlwind, I only had to spend one Christmas alone, back in 1983, and it was brutal...I started crying around 9pm on Christmas Eve and didn't stop until Boxing Day...I'll never forget that brutal ache. And being surrounded by co-workers who all had families and happy plans only made it worse.

Thankfully, I'm at the other end of that extreme now - three full Christmas celebrations (each complete with gift exchange and full supper) - and there are brief moments when my scattered brain yearns for a quieter Christmas, until I remember 1983.

Anyway, my thoughts and prayers are with you throughout the coming weeks and especially on the 25th. Will you be going anywhere or any plans over the Christmas week? I hope that this "dark period" has enough warm light poking through to carry you safely through.