An empty feeling

OPINION > LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Dec. 1, 2011

To the Editor:

I hate, really hate, memories. Nostalgia leaves me in a crumbled mess. Listening to old songs can set me off to tears and unbelievable melancholia. The worse part is that it seems the older I get, the further into my past I go and while some of it is truly quite beautiful — even reverent, it is all gone now, along with all who were part of those times.

My holiday gatherings now consist of me and my two dogs who will soon become only memories of which I will further hate.

I remember a few Christmas Eves ago walking along Jackson Street. The blinds were open and I could see the families rejoicing inside their homes. I felt the love in each of those houses. At the same time it was one of the saddest times of my life and felt the full brunt of absolute emptiness.

I am really an upbeat and fun-loving kind of man, but at the same time, I seem to be cursed with an unusual amount of sentiment. I love people and all of my life, I’ve been used to being around hundreds of them, so now it makes it a bit tough having no one, especially when I come home to the emptiness that replaced a house always full of family and friends.

I just had to unburden myself and nothing I have in the past dwelled on such morbidity, but then again age has its leeways and you would be surprised what I now can get away with that was impossible not so long ago.

But in any case, may I wish to all a truly warm and love-filled holiday,

Hang on to and treasure loved ones with all of your might. Don’t take family or friends for granted. Realize and understand that one day — all of it will become memories.

Frank Cavallaro
South Philadelphia

Editor’s note: The Review would like to offer its condolences to Frank as his 12-year-old dog Cody passed away at 12:25 p.m. Monday.

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