As I prepared to depart from the Spiritual Life Center inside the Ellsworth Correctional Facility Dec. 8, I witnessed the most beautiful exchange.
A woman enveloped one of the residents in a bear hug. This woman held to tightly to him and I could hear her say, “I’m so proud of you. I love you so much.”
Let’s remember, I was standing in the middle of a prison. I’m guessing I witnessed a mother, grandmother or aunt express deep emotion and love for their relative.  
It’s easy to look around and feel like love is conditional. It is based on how I act toward you. It is based on what you do for me. It can feel transactional.
That moment in the SLC was anything but transactional. I do not know the woman, the resident or their circumstance. But I know I witnessed unconditional love.
And isn’t that what Christmas is all about?
Love.
For those of the Christian persuasion, it’s about God loving humanity enough to be born as a man and walk among us. It was an act of unconditional love.
As a mother, I have no idea what is ahead for my son or for any of those in my wider family.
I know it can be hard to love unconditionally. With abandon. It’s not easy to let go of disappointments or even slights ... even if they are many years in the past.
I feel blessed to witness the exchange in the SLC. I feel fortunate to be reminded that we can love people, no matter what happens, no matter where they are.
My wish for you this Christmas is to experience and exchange unconditional love with and for those in your life.
Karen Bonar
Publisher