Boy, I can’t such much about the holidays that isn’t heavy with sadness. Rachael’s third round of chemo was unsuccessful and her condition just kept getting worse and worse. It was very clear to me where things were headed. She was unable to participate in Thanksgiving at all, and I just hung my head at the dinner table and sobbed. I think it was the first time Josef ever saw me cry. My loving family took such good care of me that day.
I spent Christmas morning curled up with Rachael in bed while Grandmas and Aunts did presents with Josef; she was nearly gone. Rachael gave me a plush, hunter green terrycloth robe and new slippers, which Grammannette wrapped under Rachael’s exacting instructions; she wanted to insure the bows and ribbons were fancy enough. You can imagine how much I will treasure those two items. Josef got an amazing replica NES from Gramheart, which was the toy he wanted more than anything else in the world.
I am so grateful for the love and support I received from Gramheart, Grammanette, Aunties Sarah Janet & Maylnda, and Uncle JD. December was a dark month–literally and figuratively–but our family hearth was always able to stay glowing and warm.
