Opinion

Massive flight cancellations by Southwest Airlines during the Christmas holiday week are prompting the federal government to look into why thousands of travelers were left stranded across the country, along with huge piles of luggage in airports served by the beleaguered airline.

During the seven days between Christmas and New Years is a time of reckoning. It is a time of cleaning out closets to make room for the new sweaters and robes we received. It’s a time of eating that pile of chocolates left at the bottom of the stockings. It’s a time for soup making. It’s a time for making lists and planning last-of-the-year spending. It’s a time for reading with a hot cup of tea and a time for putting together toys. It’s a time of organizing and getting that last deep breath before the new year begins.

Less is heard about trains these days, particularly since the homegoing of Johnny Cash. He always loved train songs. Accounts of a single railroad car are even rarer, despite the jump start provided in 1930 by “The Little Engine That Could,” a children’s book.

I don’t often look over old columns, but the other day I came across one about the perfect Christmas. Keep in mind that column was written almost thirty years ago. Whether we like it or not, Christmas has changed, families have changed, and the media representation of a “family Christmas” is nothing like it was in 1992 or back in 1962 which was referenced in the column.

An arctic storm that swept through the state bringing low temperatures and high winds also affected roughly two-thirds of the country’s population, according to the National Weather Service, bringing the coldest Christmas in decades to parts of the country.

The intent of this piece is to provide comfort to folks who are hearing more than they want to hear. There is much noise in the world, some of it pushing Christmas carols--and other worthwhile sounds--to the side of the road.

I love watching reality television shows. My favorite is Project Runway where the designers whip up an evening gown from four yards of lace and a deconstructed fire hose. I love cooking contests, glass blowing contest, and lately I’ve enjoyed watching decorators come in and make someone’s home glow with Christmas lights, greenery, and enough fake snow to cover the Washington Monument.

A long-awaited state report concludes most pregnancy-related deaths in Texas in 2019 were preventable and disproportionately affected Black women. The report, issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Committee, indicated deaths were mainly attributable to hemorrhage, mental health conditions and blood clots.

Not until his later years did Rev. Jerry Neill have the time needed to hone his woodcarving skills, but when he did, he was relentless, turning out small art objects that soon cluttered his workshop.

A group of my dear friends are getting together next Sunday afternoon for what we call Soiree. It’s an event celebrated by many women to gain strength from one another in small groups. We haven’t gotten together in about five years, but it will feel like yesterday. You see, we have kept up with each other through community activities, church, and that mysterious connection that seems to tie good friends together.