From November 1st through Jan 15th, there are 29 holidays observed by 70 of the world’s major religions and they all include many different traditions. Champions for Health staff were reminiscing about childhood memories and it centered around spending time with extended family, belonging to a shared tradition, and enjoying each moment – and we share their pictures on these pages.
Staff agreed that family is everything. “The smell of favorite meals cooking and baking breads and cakes made the whole house felt warm and cozy.” It is a safe place, your anchor. It is love, warmth, and unity. Family is our past, our present, and our future. It is our connection to the world. It is how we see ourselves and how we see others. Family is a set of memories that hug you when your parents have passed away. Family is continuing traditions with your siblings and creating traditions with your spouse and children. Family is what makes life special. “Having the house full of family, playing with siblings and cousins, wearing matching pjs, taking turns opening presents, watching out for Santa, and staying up late were the best times of my life.”
Like family, health is everything. Health is the best version of yourself. Health means being able to do anything and everything you want without limitations or hesitation. When health is missing, it feels like a heavy fog over one’s life, activities and mood. Without health, you have worry, isolation, pain, uncertainty. Each person’s journey to health is unique and it is not taken alone. The unwavering support of our families gives a person hope even in the most difficult circumstances. “When gusty winds blow and shake our lives, if we know that people care about us, we may bend with the wind, but we won’t break.” – Mr. Rogers.
When CFH staff were asked what one thing they would change in a Project Access patient’s life, the answers revolved around patients receiving the care that they need and the care that they deserve. It also meant working together to transform the patient’s perspective to one of hope for the future because they have access to resources and know how to use them. Sisu is a Finnish word which is defined as a special strength and persistent determination and resolve to continue and overcome in the moment of adversity. It is a combination of stamina, perseverance, courage and determination held in reserve for hard times. Sisu would be the gift we would give all our patients.
The ultimate wish for the holidays from Champions for Health is world peace, a safe place for everyone with no worries. We wish that the entire world to take a minute and focus on people first. When people care for others, in even the smallest of ways, they connect with each other and with their community. Connection to people makes living brighter, lighter, and sweeter. It provides a glimmer of hope in an otherwise busy world.
Big change begins with one person, one act of kindness, one spark of hope. However you celebrate the holidays, we are wishing you and your loved one’s health, hope and peace! www.championsforhealth.org/donate
