Chances are youve seen the movie Home Alone at some point. The 1990 movie is about Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy, whose large family mistakenly leaves him alone in his suburban Chicago home while they travel to Paris for the Christmas holiday. Kevin ends up caring for himself as well as fighting off some bumbling burglars named Harry and Marv. Its a hilarious movie.

The movie has a meaningful subplot involving supporting characters. As many young kids do, Kevin falls prey to a rumor perpetuated in his neighborhood. Buzz, Kevins mean older brother, tells him that their elderly neighbor, Old Man Marley, is really a serial killer who murdered his family with a snow shovel in 1958. Kevin, it turns out, is more terrified of Marley than of any burglarsor of being home alone.

Of course, the myth of Old Man Marley is debunked when Kevin meets him inside a church where he watches choir practice for a Christmas Eve service. It is then that Kevin learns that Marley is no killer; he is just an old man who is cut off from his family. Secretively watching his granddaughter sing in the choir, Marley is the one truly alone.

As Kevin and Marley talk about fear, Marley says, Youre never too old to be afraid. He shares that he has not spoken to his son in years since a bad argument. Marley fears rejection if he reaches out to his son. Kevin tells him that it is better to try, and risk rejection, than never to know if things could be made right.

Near the end of the film, Old Man Marley saves Kevin from the burglars (using his infamous snow shovel), thus sealing a friendship for life. Kevins family finally makes it homerelieved to see Kevin is alright. Later, we see Kevin looking out his window just as Marley, his son, daughter in-law, and granddaughter meet, hug, and enter the house. Kevin smiles, knowing he did something goodhe helped a lonely man reconnect with those he loves.

Loneliness visits all of us at some point in our lives. Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable to loneliness. AARP found that forty-six percent of women over 75 and older live alone. Seventeen percent of adults 65 and older are isolated. Some enjoy solitude and are comfortable being alone, while others crave interaction and relationship. Ironically, we dont have to be alone to be lonely; we can be lonely in a room full of other people. Loneliness heightens our awareness of feeling isolated, disconnected, and often misunderstood. It is an epidemic in our culture.

At this time of year, loneliness can be especially deep and painful as we watch others appear to be full of love, joy, and peace. Coping with loneliness is a challenge, but unless we confront it, we may find ourselves not just lonely, but also depressed. It is hard to reach out to others. When we are lonely, we may expect others to intuitively know it and try to help us. Unfortunately, many of us are good at hiding our feelings and wearing a faade that communicates all is wellso no one really sees the truth.

Instead of wallowing in misery (which I have done more often than I care to admit), take a chance and reach out to another. Most people are receptive and open to conversation. Consciously pay attention to those around you. Smile, wave, or make the time to talk to your neighbor. You can offer to assist with a charity. If you have the means, buy presents for a less privileged family. How about baking some cookies and handing them out to neighbors? If you dont want to bake, give the traditional orange which symbolizes gold, giving, and caring for others less fortunate, or in the Chinese tradition symbolizes life and new beginnings for the New Year. Attend an event or worship service in line with your faith. Go to a local nursing home and inquire if there are some residents who seldom have visitorsthen visit with them. Most important, do something!

One of the most effective ways to cope with loneliness is to help another. Remember The Golden Rule? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (Luke 6:31). Focusing your energy on others and treating them as you would like to be treated is a powerful means to combat loneliness. This holiday season strive to spread some joy to others. You may never know how your kind words or actions impact someone; even so, you will feel better doing it!

If you or someone you know is struggling with loneliness, the internet has online support groups and numerous other sources of assistance. Or reach out to a local faith community or faith leader, school counselor, psychologist, or call a helpline.

Suellen Lewis is a staff chaplain at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital. As both a former math teacher and associate pastor, she continues to be amazed at how God uses our experiences, abilities, and gifts to minister to others. She is available at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact the Spiritual Care Office at (717) 242-7059.

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