Wolly’s Wafflings – Part 3

Hello to you all from a rather wet and dismal Cape Town.

It’s really going to set the cat amongst the pigeons if the weather is like this on Xmas Day. So many people host their Xmas lunches at home outdoors nevermind all the wine farms having their picnic lunches under the trees and on their immaculate emerald green lawns.

Whilst in the UK at this time of year it’s icy cold, wet and dreary so a roast with all the trimmings goes down a treat. The pubs do a roaring trade with their traditional Xmas lunches and a good couple of beers are quaffed more than frequently.

The pubs welcome kids and their furry friends sit quietly underneath the tables for hours on end whilst their owners chatter nonstop and the children play board games.For those of you who haven’t been into an English pub they appear to be pretty much the same in every village. Quaint, a bit dingy but very cosy and welcoming. They’re also a magnet for the lost and lonely. Those who hug the pub counter and long for someone to talk to. I’m neither lost nor lonely and I thoroughly enjoy having a glass of wine and a packet of crisps in an English pub!

Christmas time, regardless of one’s denomination, can be a rather lonely time for many. Especially I think for the elderly and also for an addict. One can’t get away completely from the supposed festive cheer surrounding you. Down and out, no friends, no family to get together with. It actually must be quite awful. I do remember spending considerable time driving around looking for my son. On the odd occasion that I did find him he was too wasted to reason with. I think I just wanted to reassure myself that he was still alive.

Fortunately for my family we’ve had my son back for many years for which I will forever be profoundly grateful.

But for you readers who at the moment are still desperately struggling to find a solution to either your addiction or your loved one /friend, I say don’t give up. Whilst that person is still living there is always hope regardless of what anyone might say. And before I end off, don’t wait until your loved one is ” down and out”. By that time it might be too late. Take action as soon as you possibly can, the sooner the better.

Here’s wishing each and everyone a happy and positive festive season.