Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope it was fantastic and wonderful and restful and meaningful, and not commercial and hectic and expensive.

Our Christmas was different this year. I have been feeling weak, so we were unable to travel. We normally spend Christmas day with my dad and his side of the family, including my ninety-two year old grandmother. Christmas Eve is often spent with my my mom’s parents (including my ninety-one year old grandfather). As a result, we stayed home and cuddled up together on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We spent the day after Christmas with my brothers and their girlfriends (when applicable) and friends. Obviously missing, was my brother Chris. He spent Christmas in Antarctica. No, really. I am not making this up. He lives in Antarctica right now. I miss him very much, and the day just wasn’t the same without him.

The other thing we did less of this year (besides travel), was spend lots of money. We asked Dave’s family not to buy us gifts, and we draw names at the celebration with my brothers. It was spectacular. It was wonderful to not race around frantically trying to find the perfect gift for everyone and fearing we have failed. That somehow we got the wrong size, style, color. Or that they already had one, didn’t want one, or didn’t need one. We didn’t want others stressing out about what to get us, either. Can I also say I was thrilled to not have to unload a whole bunch of stuff that we don’t need or want or have a place to put?

Now, I don’t mean to get all mushy and cliché and talk about how the presence, not presents, of others is what is important. Or, that all I wanted for Christmas was my health, my family, and my friends. But you know what? Both statements are true.

This past year I have quietly fought for my life. I have gotten down to a terrifying EIGHTY-NINE pounds. I have become basically bed-ridden, and certainly house-bound. I have cried myself to sleep, and watched my husband tear-up as he watched me try to walk across the room. It has been tough. Saddening. Maddening. Amazing. Inspiring.

This year, more than ever, I have discovered who my true friends are. Like a flower garden, I have new friendships that have sprung up in the most surprising places, where I don’t remember even planting a seed. And, I have had well established friendships that have grown even more beautiful and colorful after years of fertilizing. Still yet, I have had to do some thinning, and even pull some weeds, too.

But you know, the truth is, I pretty much got what I wanted for Christmas. I have a loving family, fantastic friends, and an amazing body that is busily working on giving me the gift of health. The best gift is each and every day I am given on this earth to spend with the family and friends who mean so very much to me. Merry Christmas, ya’ll. Thanks for the presence!