I felt a chill as I grabbed my things from the car. The clear skies had become gray and cold. I put on my gloves as I walked up into the park. My thoughts were drawn back to the memories of when I had felt most alone. I’d had nowhere to go for the holidays. Having a job and a place to live weren’t enough without relationships that mattered.
Cresting the hill I saw the festive santa hats worn by friends and despite the cold of my body, my heart felt warmed. Milling about were our friends who didn’t have homes or relationships yet. I wasn’t able to travel to see my own family this year but in this environment I knew I was home. I was surrounded by friends sharing coffee, cocoa, a meal and laughter. These were the relationships that mattered.