Defining and divining Christmas!
Due to the latest 5.5 per cent unemployment statistic in my native state, many Rhode Islanders have probable cause for echoing Scrooge’s dismal outlook, “Christmas is a poor excuse every 25th of December to pick a man''s pockets.”
As of late, manpower and man hours have been expended in repairing at least 157 out of 763 bridges found structurally deficient, and either resurfacing or constructing highways along Rhode Island’s 3,300 lane miles of roadway. Alas, gainful employment! No doubt, those not as fortunate to have a job find it difficult to “buy meat, drink, and means of warmth because it is at Christmastime that want is most keenly felt!”
All of this was furthest from my mind while stuck in traffic crawling along, bumper-to-bumper, behind and in front of other morning commuters traveling on 95 N, our progress impeded due to a left-lane closure on account of road construction. Humbug! At the time, Andy Williams’ hap-hap-happy holiday tune, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” was playing on B 101.5 FM, further escalating my foul mood to that of a nasty, wasty skunk!
More daunting by the minute as traffic backed up in the vicinity of exits to downtown Providence, and 146 N further ahead, I had an epiphany during the next selection of Celine Dion singing “Ave Maria.” While, I couldn’t discern the words, calming harp glissandos stirred my imagination to envision all the vehicles surrounding me as graceful ballet dancers on a macadam stage. A diva’s soothing voice eliminated a stressful situation for me to count my blessings and give pause for those on the verge of becoming part of the surplus homeless population.
Jacob Marley got it right—“Mankind was my business! Their common welfare was my business!”
Similar to Scrooge’s visitations from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, each year a poignant catalyst reminds me of the true meaning of the holiday season. This year, trafficking Christmas renewed my gratitude and good will toward others.
|
That rosy unemployment figure disguises all those that are underemployed or are no longer in the job market to be counted. This is no time for Scrooge, but it appears that Scrooge is alive and well in the hearts of men.
Ron
Like this piece. Reflects the true nature of the season.
We put up with so much!
Birgit