“No space of regret can make amends for one life’s opportunity misused” ― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Most of us know the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and how on Christmas Eve he is visited by three ghosts – one from the past, one from the present and one from the future. None of these momentary glimpses are particularly pleasant as the ghosts are trying to show him how his stinginess, greed and insensitivity set him on a path to potential doom.

Long ago he had much to be happy about but chose to turn away from his joy and forgo a life of friends and family.

In present day, he was shown how his disregard for others impacted real people and their lives to such an extent, if it continued, a family and many others would be heartbroken.

The future is just plain scary as Scrooge, shaking from the fear of facing his own headstone in a dark and forbidding cemetery, realizes he can change the trajectory of his life and therefore his death.

A Christmas Carol stands the test of time as its ultimate message is about how the effects of poverty, sickness, neglect and contempt can have on the lives of those who experience them and the difference we can make by just caring about our fellow human beings.

Year- end messages typically include a look-back – a review of the past year’s events. I don’t think I need to expound upon all of it – we have all lived it together, we have learned from it and we will carry on.

The conclusion of these transitional messages often brings us to the present with a summation of how it all went.

I’m choosing to speak to the future. The quote I draw attention to from A Christmas Carol – “No space of regret can make amends for one life’s opportunity misused” is uttered by Marley, Scrooge’s former business partner as he laments his afterlife in chains. I think it means there is not enough regret to fill the void of misusing the opportunities in life that come our way for the better. So the message is – pay attention and use those opportunities.

I believe, in this year like no other, that every Focused Care team member has embraced the enormity of the health crisis as an opportunity – to improve, enhance and in many cases, save lives. While there was a great deal of sadness and grief wrapped up in this year, we became closer as a Focused Care family – to our fellow care providers, to our residents and their family members and to our community.

We look to a more promising future in a new year knowing how hard we tried, what we accomplished, what we both lost and gained and how we will move forward.

Please enjoy a safe and happy holiday.