There is one thing I always remember
when Christmas is drawing near.
That is the loneliness I felt,
suffering from depression.

How can I not be happy
with the Birth of infant Jesus?
I was sad with myself
who could not be joyful like others.
Being blessed with a place to live, family and friends,
I somehow felt emptiness and loneliness.

But now getting older with lots of aches and pains,
I am so grateful that I can rejoice the Birth of Christ.
Is it not the Joy of Christmas
to have HOPE that we can rejoice someday?
(Christmas 2020)

Teruko Yamakawa (translator)