December 25
Its Christmas morning and I haven’t called or gone to see Doug yet. I have to tell you that I’m very glad no one has called me from the hospital either. That means I have much to be thankful for this Christmas morning. My husband and best friend of 39 years is alive.
If you happen to have a significant other and are so busy ‘doing’ life you don't have time 'being’ together you don’t want to wait until one of you is in a hospital to realize their importance to you. Tell them every day that you love them. More than that make them know they are your first prioity. As you consider 2008 ask yourself if your work (and the time you spend at it) is more or less important that the ones you love.
On Christmas Eve there were 27 patients-one of which was my husband-on the fourth floor who will be spending Christmas day in this hospital. Our son suggested that he noticed that one man in a room adjacent to his Dad’s room has not had visitors this week except the people on the television which he watches all day long. Our kids want to do something for him today. We’ll take a few things to Doug and the nurses, techs and housekeepers too. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Last year Kevin and Laura suggested that instead of purchasing gifts for them that their relatives give what they would spend on them to a charity of the relative's choice. They would do the same and not mail gifts to us. This year Kristi needed two new tires or funds to assist her in the gift of health at the health club. It has been satisfying for us to see our adult children grow in their sense of what is truly important to them.
I spent one Christmas in the hospital. I told Doug this Christmas it is his turn. We'd both rather have him be home. But the menu for patients and in the cafeteria (I think) looks like a full compliment of a Christmas dinner. I’m thrilled. I don’t have to cook!!!!
That’s another unexpected gift.
~Carole
