Christmas reminds us that we all have hope

As we face into the new year, I wish to share my feelings of peace.

My Christmas day started off volunteering at the COPE Galway swim. From the very young to the elderly braved the cold Atlantic waters, all in the name of fun and to support a local charity. There was a brilliant atmosphere as people queued up to register. The mayor of Galway even popped by and shook hands with all volunteers.

Later I drove along the ‘prom’. The sun was spreading golden light from a clear blue sky. There were scores of people perambulating, taking advantage of the break from the blustery drizzly days of late. There is no where on earth as beautiful as Salthill on a sunny day.

In the evening, after stuffing myself at a friend’s house, I decided to go for a walk. It was the first time I had walked through Salthill on Christmas evening since the day “ I wandered alone in a desolate city” many years ago. I thought how my current feelings contrasted so starkly with that low point in my life.

As one year finishes, we should remember that sometimes the only thing that might keep us going is hope. No matter how hopeless things may seem, tomorrow is another day. We all have the potential to overcome our darkest days.

Tommy Roddy

Lower Salthill,

Galway.