DECEMBER 21
From Alice Wright - A discussion of the winter solstice
As daylight quickly deepened into darkness, Watson felt inwardly driven to get home as soon as possible. He knew it was the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year. However, reason is one thing, instinct another.
Holmes sat by the fire staring into the flames, smoking his pipe. They fire provided the only light in the darkened sitting room. He would be glad when his friend was home. Like Watson, he knew that it was the shortest day of the year.
He was relieved to hear the front door open and the sound of Watson's footsteps as the climbed the stairs to the sitting room.
When the doctor entered the room, Holmes said, "I am glad to see you. This will be a long night and I am glad of your company."
Watson crossed the room and sat in his chair opposite his friend. "I am glad to be home. There is something about the darkness that makes one feel that being at home is the best place to be."
"Yes Watson, home is the best place to be now and the light of friendship makes the longest night of the year bearable," Holmes told him.
Watson reminded him. "You are quite right, Holmes. Also, remember that this long night only comes once a year. From now on the days will increase in length and that lets us know that darkness will not always prevail."
Dear Readers, it is good to remember that darkness does not last forever. As one who suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder, I must remind myself of this frequently.
Thanks for reading.