Then, several years ago I met Melissa who was annoying enthusiastic about Christmas. She and my family drove me nuts talking about Christmas cheer, spending time with family, decorating, Christmas hats and mittens. They all teamed up on me! It wasn't until I finally gave in and went sledding with her, her sisters, my daughters and all their friends that I thought, maybe this time of year isn't all that bad, I had fun. Then the Movie Elf came out... I love Will Farrell! I enjoyed the movie. Whoa, what was happening?!? Over the next few years, I helped decorate the house but still was annoyed with the Christmas songs and shows. Over time I became the BIGGEST FAN OF CHRISTMAS! In fact, it is I, YES ME... who now annoys my family with Christmas cheer!!!! Every time they get in my car, I have Light 105 on, All Christmas songs all the time! I sing along (rather badly) while driving. I am still very fortunate that my wife still does all the Christmas shopping but we no longer have arguments about what is spent. In fact, I go and buy one "special" gift from me to my two daughters Alexis and Chelsey (and Tara who we affectionately call our step daughter) and one for Audra.
This year, Christmas is so much more special to me. My youngest daughter who is unfortunately for her is referred to as my "Mini Me" was in the hospital last week. She has been sick on and off for the last three months. In fact her white blood cell count was so low it was referred to as "critically low'. For a week she had to undergo so many blood tests, cat scan, head scan, MRI, etc. We were told by one physician it could be Leukemia or cancer! This had my family in tears and many sleepless nights were spent leading up to this Christmas week. At one point while taking the dog for a walk at 3:30 in the morning I was crying and begging God, "Please don't do this, I'm not strong enough to endure this after all the other medical issues my family has faced." The many doctors couldn't give us a definite diagnosis as to why she was sick and her white blood cells and B12 were so low. She was losing weight, had no swollen glands. looked unhealthy and had no energy. She was discharged from the hospital and couldn't go out in public places unless wore a mask. If you are a parent, you can imagine the anxiety, fear, heartache and tears shed in a situation like this! She had another follow up appointment with a Hematologist today, just a few hours before I'm writing this. They ruled out Leukemia and cancer! They still have no solid idea as to why her white blood cells and B12 dropped so critically low or why she is so sick. However, they ran more blood work and her white blood cell count is improving, they have her on B12 supplements and she seems to be improving. I have had more people than I ever knew believed in the God and the power of prayer come up to me at both gyms I work at telling me they are praying for us. So, although the doctors aren't sure why this all happened to my little baby girl (she's 20 yrs old but still my baby girl!), She seems to be getting better! When you are told by a physician your daughter may have Leukemia or cancer and she spends time in the hospital and doctors can't figure out the cause, it will have a huge impact!
We have never been a materialistic family. My daughters never ran to the tree Christmas morning, we always knew what Christmas really stood for, even when I was a Grinch! You can take the gifts from under our tree, that's never been important to us. This Christmas morning when I wake up and look at Alexis and Chelsey, I will celebrate knowing I have two of the greatest gifts a man could ever receive. Thank you to you all for your prayers, and concern. Thank you to everyone at RI Hospital who have been kind to us. And, although she isn't completely whole, it isn't cancer and she appears to be getting stronger! And for that, I thank God!
So no matter what you believe this holiday season, whether, you're a Grinch, Christian, Atheist, Celebrate Kwanzaa, Hanukkah... whatever, celebrate your family, spend time with loved ones. Contact that family member you have had bad feelings toward and make things right. Make this the season we all come together and love one another. At the end of the day, material things, situations and holidays come and go, but family stand the test of time. Treasure yours!
I wish everyone a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!