editor's note How did I wake up in December days from Christmas? I suppose the answer is in the previous week's activity which involved, Dr. Jose and his team taking me back into the theatre for further surgery. He successfully did what was needed so that I head into January 2023, with multiple stents in place as one of the lucky ones, as many women do not have the luxury of diagnosis and solution which I have had. Although it has been hellish at times , I have made it out to the other side, and being alcohol-free has helped that journey from sickness to health; if I was still drinking, I would have met my maker over the past three months....... As always our columnists and contributors have knocked it out of the park this holiday season with marvelous articles that will inspire and motivate you this month. Our team picks for shopping are outstanding and I hope you find some sober treats in there. The words of John O Donohue who is one of my favourite Irish writers are rather fitting as I face my first Christmas without my own Mam, and I am feeling all the feels and thinking of all of you sober ladies out there facing a holiday season in grief.
At The End Of The Year by John O Donohue
As this year draws to its end, We give thanks for the gifts it brought And how they became inlaid within Where neither time nor tide can touch them. The days when the veil lifted And the soul could see delight; When a quiver caressed the heart, In the sheer exuberance of being here. Surprises that came awake, In forgotten corners of old fields Where expectation seemed to have quenched. The slow, brooding times. When all was awkward, And the wave in the mind Pierced every sore with salt. The darkened days that stopped The confidence of the dawn. Days when beloved faces shone brighter. With light from beyond themselves; And from the granite of some secret sorrow, A stream of buried tears loosened. We bless this year for all we learned, For all, we loved and lost, And for the quiet way, it brought us. Nearer to our invisible destination. From my family and all at Team Hola Sober we wish you and yours a wonderful holiday and year ahead as we powerfully look skyward and say not today lady, not today;
l ots of love to you all,
Susan Christina Creamer EDITOR + PUBLISHER Susan Christina Creamer
HOLA SOBER | MADRID
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