This document summarizes an email from a friend, Anjula Evans, about how Christmas can be difficult for some who experience loss or are alone. It discusses an ice storm that affected Ontario on the day before and neighbors helping each other. It also shares a song Anjula wrote called "At This Christmas Time" about losing a child around the holidays and how the holiday has never been the same. The document encourages remembering those affected by the storm, in need, without family and who have lost loved ones during the Christmas season.

1. Merry Christmas
On Sunday, across the GTA and most of Ontario we woke up to the after effects of the worst ice storm
since 1998. I spend the day with my wife, Michelle, clearing ice from our front yard. My heart and
prayers are with those who have been severely affected by the ice storm.
Christmas is a time of giving and sharing. Right across the GTA there were stories of neighbours helping
out each other in the true spirit of Christmas. My neighbour, Allan, used his clippers to help me cut
some of the branches off tree that fell across my driveway.
Christmas is also a time of bright lights, happiness and peace but it is also a difficult time for others as
my friend Anjula Evans pointed to me this morning in an email. Please allow me to share the email I
received from Anjula this morning and a song she wrote about Christmas:
“Sometimes Christmas is full of happiness, family, and seeing old friends. But it isn't for everyone. Some
people spend Christmas by themselves, while others grieve the loss of loved ones, especially at those
times.Christmas is never the same, once you've lost someone.I wrote a song titled “At This Christmas
Time” for a family who had lost their child in a car accident. I had a difficult time recording it, because of
the emotional aspects.I remember praying, as I was writing, that I would never have to endure a loss like
this. A year later, I experienced a terrible loss. Christmas has never been the same for me since that
time.This song has helped me to get through the last few Christmases.” Here's the link to Anjula’s song
“At This Christmas Time” http://www.tunecore.com/widgets/show/78052.
As we celebrate Christmas this year, let us remember those who are sick, the elderly, those who are
affected by the ice storm and other natural disasters, those who are hungry, those without jobs, those in
need of love and those who have lost love ones and find this time of the year difficult.
Once again, thank you all for your continued support and encouragement during the year.
May your Christmas be filled with joy, peace and happiness.
Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well
as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor. He can be contacted by
email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog
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