The Publisher | Jimmy Dean

Holidays. The bitter and the sweet.

Dear Readers:

Funny thing about holidays. For some, they spike an adrenalin-like rush of joy and celebration where the whole world stops its normal orbit and throws everyone into a shower of peace, love and happiness. For others, the holiday season is full of sadness and desperation.

As one who lost my father on the Saturday after Thanksgiving when I was 13, I can personally attest to the fact that the “holiday funk” is real. It’s not a theory cooked up in some medical school. I was in my mid-forties before I really began to enjoy the holidays. Now that my life is filled with a wonderful, beautiful family of my own, I finally have the type of holiday I’ve always dreamed of. Minus the snow, thank you very much.

So as this holiday season approaches, it’s important for those of us on an adrenalin kick to remember those who don’t feel the same joy and happiness we do this time of year. We have many neighbors here in Charlotte County who will face the coming season alone, their loved ones gone, their families moved away. In this issue, Lew Morrissey introduces us to Roemer Wilbas, a man who lost his wife seven years ago. For him, and others in his situation, the holidays just aren’t what they used to be.

While shooting the photography for this story, our editor and art director came to adore Wilbas, a man with a long and storied past and a kind smile for his visitors. They came back from that brief visit with huge grins on their faces. I encourage each of you to go out this holiday season and connect with your neighbors who might be feeling a little lonely this time of year. Invite them over for dinner or just visit with them for a bit. Share the joy of the holiday season with them. The joy you share will come back on you tenfold.

Also in this issue, we explore different holiday traditions. We live in a melting pot of numerous cultures and creeds. We want to know more about our neighbors and their customs. The holidays can be many things to many people. They are something different for us all. However, there is one thing the holidays can be for everyone: a time of hope.

Please enjoy our holiday issue!

Sincerely,

Jimmy Dean, Publisher