The Holiday Season

The holidays are typically a cheery and merry time. This year, life threw us a few curveballs.

Thanksgiving: My favorite holiday of all. Spending time with family and friends, eating until you can't eat anymore (and then having dessert), football, and multiple naps. This year, Joe and I spent Thanksgiving by ourselves, since we were on our honeymoon. It was very nice, but on this day we especially missed our family. We were on a cruise, and on that day, our boat was in Grand Turk. We had a quiet dinner together, just the two of us.

Christmas Eve: Every year, Joe's sister's (Julie's) in-laws (Nandy and Jimbo) have a small get-together at their house. This year, it was extra special, because Julie and Jim (her husband) announced that they were expecting a child! Yes, their first baby! And, Joe's parents' first grandchild! Everyone was so excited and happy for them. I think Patti (Joe's mother) was the most excited. She really wants grandchildren.

Christmas Day: This day happened without incident. Lots of presents, food, and fun. Joe and I went to Patti and Reggie's (Joe's parents) house around noon to celebrate with them and Jim and Julie. Julie and Jim told her grandfather that she was pregnant. It was truly another wonderful day.

December 26 thru January 3: In the past week, things could not have gotten much worse. Joe and I are okay, but I don't think anybody else is. First, Julie began to have gynecological trouble. After a few blood tests, she informed us that she was having a miscarriage. She did not feel well for several days. Also, more bad news from my brother (Dan) and his wife (Ali) in Ohio. On December 28, Dan was diagnosed with testicular cancer. His surgery was December 31, New Year's Eve. Ali was sick with the worst head cold of her life, probably made worse by all of the stress she was undergoing. My mother (Kathy) flew up to Ohio to be with them for the surgery. Now, we are all waiting to hear back from the pathologist, which will determine the course of his treatment. Hopefully, there will not be any other treatment needed, and he will begin the lifelong process of being monitored for possible metastasis.

It's amazing what life will throw at you. I think my family is made up of very strong individuals, who as a group will be able to get through any obstacle that we face. These last couple of weeks has been a true test of our strength, and so far, we have persevered. Now all we can do is wait and hope for the best.