The ambiguity makes me wonder:
Is the fundraiser for Haiti disaster relief?
or
Did the earthquake in Haiti spark fear in Vancouver,
and efforts to stockpile emergency funds for when
The Big One
shakes the Canadian west coast,
which we’re told is inevitable?
‘Tis the season for shortbread and shopping malls, holiday stress and family tension.
I have visions of geographically dispersed families with members scattered around the globe, doing whatever they can to make it home for the holidays to spend time with relatives and friends.
I see travelers arriving on the doorsteps of (grand)parents and siblings. They bring mountains of gifts (or none at all), too much luggage, and odd habits not apparent during long-distance telephone calls. For several days–weeks even–they pile on top of one another in the tiniest of urban condominiums and compact homes.
Anticipating such an event, a friend of mine writes in a greeting card, overwhelmed: “We’re staying put for Christmas but everyone is coming here. Aaahhhh! Help!” Read the rest of this entry »
