Listening to the radio the other morning, the female DJ mentioned that many people feel let down after the holidays; that all of their planning and business has ceased and depression sets in. The opposite is true for me. After the holiday, I am content and peaceful. Not that the holiday is over, but that my holiday experience reinforced my belief in the goodness of others.

Mine is not a story about how generous people were pre-holiday; donating to the sweet little old lady ringing the bell at the red kettle, or filling church Christmas trees to the hilt with mittens and gloves for the homeless, or serving at food kitchens for Thanksgiving, or purchasing presents for Toys R Tots. My spirit was invigorated by the love and acceptance of others for family members different than themselves.

The odds are good that most families have members who may be different than the norm. Using my mom's adage "God don't make junk", and everyone is capable of being loved. In our family, there are many opportunities to practice this acceptance.

Firstly, we have my daughter, Marie, who is deaf and developmentally delayed. Our family has done their best to learn sign language or a casual version of this mode of communication in order to include their sister. They all get a kick out of teasing that I am sometimes confused (in my old age), and Marie laughs when they all point their finger to the side of their heads and twirl it in a circle (sometimes a sign for "crazy”). And they all laugh when Hubby tries to sign, "I love you,” but, because he has a problem with arthritis, his middle finger sticks up and it looks obscene.

It is hilarious bonding moment for everyone, and Marie is truly accepted by not only our immediate family, but by our large extended family. They are aware she has male fashion tastes, and her gifts are always appropriate; not pink sweaters and perfume, but Axe spray and male sweatshirts.  Marie is accepted wholeheartedly.

Many families might find themselves with a troublemaker among them.  In our family, it is Steven whose ADHD and bi-polar disorder often elicits impulsive outbreaks and rants not fit for sensitive ears. Yet, no one argues with him, and everyone calmly attempts to calm him down in a soothing and loving manner. Instead of getting angry, our family understands his issues and accept him as he is, no matter how difficult that may be. 

My sister-in-law has a daughter who has Angelman Syndrome. She is non-verbal and always on the go. All of her cousins take turns including her in their activities, letting her sit nearby, singing songs with her, rocking in the chair with her, or getting her favored food. She is a member of the family and participates to the fullest extent possible, with the acceptance and love of all.

When my brother, who was developmentally delayed, schizophrenic, hearing impaired and blind, was alive, my children loved him, and offered to get him his favorite drink of Diet Coke, play a game of cards with him, or be his sighted guide when at the mall. They thought of him as an equal, they just needed to communicate with him in different ways, much the way they now communicate with their sister, Marie.

So, after this holiday season, I am not depressed or let down, but once again encouraged with a heart full of love for our family and their acceptance of others. It truly reflects the joy of the holidays.