My big Christmas gift idea: an online avalanche!
This year I wanted to have a Christmas gift for everyone of my doctors, nurses, and valet guys at UTSW. Right before Thanksgiving I found an amazing one day sale on Sherpa blankets. I bought 50! What I didn’t think about is that this great idea of mine could not be done without help! The day they were delivered I opened the door and it looked like a blizzard had come and completely covered my front porch and doorway! Big white bags filled with six blankets each covered the entire doorway about waist high! I did the best I could with my walker heaving each bag into the house but I could not move them. I panicked wondering if Curt would be frustrated at my latest on line purchase.
Family and friends to the rescue!
When my daughter came home from work, She was amazed. I just asked her to help me figure out where to put them! We put them in a back room covering the guest bed. Over the next week Curt surprised me by not being frustrated. He purchased ribbon from Costco, opened up all the white bags and wrapped a ribbon around every blanket. He put them in large bags to bring to all my doctor visits. Then my friend Chari who takes me to the visits helped me hand them out. Curt helped when he came too. It was so nice to have Christmas gifts for everyone that is keeping me alive to enjoy another Christmas.
It was fun to see the joy and delight of everyone who got one. Even one doctor who sometimes feels awkward about getting gifts smiled wide and happily took a blanket! A valet guy excitedly said he would use it that night on a plane ride. So much fun! Thank you family and friends for indulging me on my Christmas hand outs. You helped me participate in the joy of giving. It gives me dignity and joy.
Last week my husband woke at 3:00 am and went into the kitchen and made homemade raspberry jam. He made 52 jars! I used to do this each Christmas, but I can no longer stand to do it. I guess Curt liked it so he did it this year. He is carrying most of the burden of preparing for the Holidays and He is doing a great job. I love him so much.
Teaching about the nativity to children two years ago.
This picture is from two years ago. For a little over two years I taught nursery at church. I had just learned I had cancer. The only pain I had was in my hip. Because of a metastasized tumor, I had a slight limp. This was probably the last time I ever sat and knelt down on the floor. I taught about when Jesus was born and brought my olive wood nativity set my mother had given me and a second set made for children. I played a Christmas song my sister wrote over and over again and the kids took turns setting up the scene.
A Christmas gift for everyone!
I love the children, loved the nursery calling, love the Christmas story, and am so thankful for the gift of Jesus. Because of Him, I am healed. Mentally, spiritually, and physically. I can endure pain today with His help and look forward to when all pain is gone. “Oh death, where is thy sting?” Christ conquered death and I know My loved ones who have passed live. I feel their presence near sometimes. I know we will be together again. Sometimes I cry thinking I may not be here for future events in the lives of my children and family, but I will always be there. There is no greater gift than the baby Jesus, and His life and sacrifice. It is a Christmas gift for everyone!