December 25 at the hospital.
We’ve had a lot of sympathy (and some empathy) for Doug having to be in the hospital at Christmas time. If you think about it there are worse places that he could have been: in a homeless shelter, in a country at war, in prison, or maybe even in a home where love has been lost.
Yes, Doug was disappointed that he wasn’t well enough to go home. He had plans for what we’d do while the kids were here. Yes, the kids and I were disappointed too but we did our best to make lemonade out of a lemon. Love was not lost!
Some of our friends felt that if Doug had to be in the hospital during Christmas that he must have a Christmas tree in his room. As I understand it the Christmas tree as part of the season’s celebration was brought over to America by German immigrants. Table top Christmas trees were the first ones Americans used.
The fun began when we realized that the tree could be decorated with all manner of medical items being used in Doug’s treatment. Add to that the fact that the trays from dietary added some charm as well. Some of the gifts below the tree ENSURE he'll be coming home soon. You’d really have to view it up close and personal to get the full benefit!
The night before, Christmas Eve, the kids had made up some holiday gift bags. We gave them to anyone who came into care for Doug Christmas day. We also visited the man who Kevin had noted didn’t have many, if any, visitors. He broke into a smile and said, “You have really lifted my spirits.”
We called the family members who were not able to be with us. Many of our extended family called us. After Christmas dinner Doug and I were given another gift of love that is indescribable. In an act of unselfishness on both of their parts, Laura returned to New York alone because she had to work the day after Christmas. Our son Kevin is staying by to help me with Doug until we are both stabilized again.
We’ve had a lot of sympathy (and some empathy) for Doug having to be in the hospital at Christmas time. If you think about it there are worse places that he could have been: in a homeless shelter, in a country at war, in prison, or maybe even in a home where love has been lost.
Yes, Doug was disappointed that he wasn’t well enough to go home. He had plans for what we’d do while the kids were here. Yes, the kids and I were disappointed too but we did our best to make lemonade out of a lemon. Love was not lost!
Some of our friends felt that if Doug had to be in the hospital during Christmas that he must have a Christmas tree in his room. As I understand it the Christmas tree as part of the season’s celebration was brought over to America by German immigrants. Table top Christmas trees were the first ones Americans used.
The fun began when we realized that the tree could be decorated with all manner of medical items being used in Doug’s treatment. Add to that the fact that the trays from dietary added some charm as well. Some of the gifts below the tree ENSURE he'll be coming home soon. You’d really have to view it up close and personal to get the full benefit!
The night before, Christmas Eve, the kids had made up some holiday gift bags. We gave them to anyone who came into care for Doug Christmas day. We also visited the man who Kevin had noted didn’t have many, if any, visitors. He broke into a smile and said, “You have really lifted my spirits.”
We called the family members who were not able to be with us. Many of our extended family called us. After Christmas dinner Doug and I were given another gift of love that is indescribable. In an act of unselfishness on both of their parts, Laura returned to New York alone because she had to work the day after Christmas. Our son Kevin is staying by to help me with Doug until we are both stabilized again.
Kevin is able to continue working in Texas as his craft is done over the Internet. He is a web programmer/designer working on client contracts while the writers strike for film and television remains halting most all production including his work as a cinematographer.
Doug took steps with the physical therapist yesterday (December 26). It is our first sign that his X-rays (for pneumonia) are getting better and better. I better go vacuum the red carpet.
~Carole
Doug took steps with the physical therapist yesterday (December 26). It is our first sign that his X-rays (for pneumonia) are getting better and better. I better go vacuum the red carpet.
~Carole
