On Friday evening an out-of-state friend called to let me know they are in this area on business.  “Can we get together for lunch” followed the greeting and chit-chat.  “Indubitably!!”  ~~  We had a delicious lunch at a Mexican restaurant in Waxhaw.  Such a delight!!  ~~  But I suffer an extra measure of depression afterwards because I long for fellowship with my children and grandchildren.  The upcoming holiday season is the worse time of the year for me.

Mid-morning, I was at the local Operation Christmas Child Collection Center.  I “met my match” (so to speak) because they (a Baptist Church) had tables full, with boxes full, of everything necessary to pack over 200 boxes.  (My annual purchases were tiny compared to their gigantic display!!)  I packed four… and visited with several ladies, and the pastor.  ~~  Buying for children, and packing O.C.C. shoe boxes, helps  fill a void in my life.  I wish I could buy for my children and grandchildren (but they deliberately exclude me from their lives).  I’m embarrassed to confess that “depression” is my constant companion.