And the great

ship of Christmas has unfurled its sail into our part of London... Sailing forward on excitement, it prances into view full of golden lights and great expectations... Here we are, on the crest of the seasonal wave that begins with Christmas and ends with new hopes and dreams for the New Year..

Upstairs, three children dream, dream under their duvets with various animals scattered between the three of them, of their presents under the tree ready to be unwrapped like sweets, of arms surrounding them and always holding them tight, and love, love like a soft fleece throw always keeping them warm , holding them snug in the cold gusts of life's unpredictable weather. How I wish I could always be there for my children, to guide them when the rocks begin to show under the clear water, to show them the way to the inner reefs and pools where the soft sands wait to delight them, and the warm waters to cushion their falls. I have no immortality or great might to give them, only the certainty of my love for them, and the absolute joy and pleasure that they give me, and will always give me for as long as I live.

Last night, I read the powerful and moving diary of a woman who believed in love, children and family and the joys of giving. She gave her life to breast cancer and is still much loved and regarded. Tonight, as I write this, her children are going to sleep thinking of their mother who can't be with them... Tonight, as I write this, waiting for my beautiful children to fall asleep so that Santa can finally come to London, I know how blessed and lucky I am to be able to know the great love I have around me and just, to be, to be with my children, and my family. I will never forget these wonderful days.

To all, around the world, a very Happy Christmas, and may the same warmth, joy and love be around you today, to keep you warm when the winds turn cold, and the world turns frosty. Keep safe, keep warm and keep loving,


Minerva