Learning to Laugh at Christmas! by Esther Smith Christmas can be a very lonely and extremely sad time for those who are not with their natural families, so much effort is expended at Caring For Life each Christmas, to ensure that no one feels alone and that everyone has plenty of opportunities to laugh, enjoy themselves and really have fun. Friday 22nd December was the chosen date for our annual Christmas party and in addition to those in the care of CFL, staff and volunteers, we were joined by the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, the Clerk to the Lieutenancy and James and Juliet Barker. It was wonderful to have these friends with us and we began the celebrations by providing a full Christmas dinner for 78 people … quite a squash in our small Refectory!
Antony movingly read the poem “Aedh wishes for the clothes of heaven”, which begins, “Had I the heavens embroidered cloths” and ends,” Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.” This could be described as a tear-jerker and it was beautiful but the remainder of the sketches, songs and other items were in general hilarious and we were all very well entertained. Everyone had rehearsed to varying degrees, and some had total stage fright, including the music workshop group, who played Silent Night on wine glasses and bottles!! Joseph demonstrated a talented singing voice when he sang one verse of the carol unaccompanied and beautifully in tune.
At the end of the party, everyone wended their way home for the weekend. Some of the young people would be coming back to us on Christmas Day to spend the day in CFL’s Centre. Others would be spending Christmas at Tindall House or Wendy Margaret Home. Peter, our CEO, Pat, one of our Trustees and I visited Tindall House on Christmas Day in the evening. Graham, another Trustee, was already there, delivering gifts. The gentlemen were all either sleeping off a big meal in their rooms or having a fairly noisy time in the lounge and the doorbell had to be rung for some time before we could gain entrance. It was good to spend time with the gentlemen and to help them assemble a super pin bowling game, which had kindly been given to them. At Wendy Margaret Home, we were greeted by screams of excitement and a general impression of pink fluffiness! Several of the gifts shown were pink and fluffy and there was a very feminine feel to the household! Sophie, one of the residential pastoral support workers writes: “Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts. Yet another happy Christmas time was had at Wendy Margaret Home. There was lots of fun and laughter throughout the day as presents were opened, delicious food was eaten and visitors were welcomed. Last year, Kelly had the record for early rising. This year it was Thea, who having gone to bed relatively early on Christmas Eve, then reappeared around 11pm in her party outfit, convinced it was Christmas Day morning. She clearly didn’t want to miss out! The actual day did begin bright and early with lots of excitement … although Christine was not too excited when she found a healthy satsuma in her stocking. “What’s that doing?” she exclaimed!! As the wrapping paper was opened various thoughtful presents were revealed and there were a lot of grateful smiles. Bev was clearly pleased with her new pyjamas; as soon as lunch was over they were on to stay. Max expressed delight as more cuddly toys emerged and Kelly couldn’t wait to assemble her new laundry basket. It was an eventful, memorable day with a lovely atmosphere, which each of the young ladies of Wendy Margaret Home would testify to.” One amazing thing we see here at CFL is people who have had very little to laugh about learning to laugh, and in the case of the younger ladies, just dissolving into giggles. This is such a practical sharing of the love of Jesus and we thank God for these very precious people who have been placed into our care. Esther . |
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