Riches beyond measure

You know the story by now. Even if you haven't seen 'It's A Wonderful Life' (in which case, upon which planet have you been spending your Christmases?).

It is Christmas Eve and George Bailey bursts into his home, elated at having once again been granted the gift of life by guardian angel, Clarence. Mere hours ago, Bailey, bankrupt and hopeless, had been questioning his very existence as he gazed over a high bridge. Yet now, having understood more clearly the difference his life has made, a very different George embraces his wife and children as never before, as they prepare the house for mystery guests. All at once, hundreds fill the Bailey living room, carrying baskets overflowing with dollar bills. Hearing of George's plight, they have dropped everything on the biggest night of the year to help him in whatever way they can. A final surprise closes the film, as George's war hero brother Harry returns from Washington DC. He proposes a toast "to George Bailey: the richest man in town".

As we boarded the plane from Glasgow airport yesterday lunchtime, we knew that we, like George Bailey, may not be laden with material possessions, but in that infinitely more important commodity of friendship, we are veritable billionaires. While it has pained us to our very marrow to have to leave so many dear friends and family behind in Scotland, we know that such sorrow reflects the warmth of these relationships. To all whom we managed to see in the last few days, thank you for taking the time to bid us goodbye. To everyone else, sorry we couldn't rendez-vous, but we wish you all the best for 2010 and look forward to seeing you...perhaps in Trinidad itself!