What a Difference a Year Makes

I just read through a few entries to find a story in the blog that I never wrote. I guess it wasn't time. A few weeks ago I got a call from the clinic. They wanted to know if it would be OK to nominate Lily to light the hospital Christmas Tree. Of course last year's tree lighting popped into mind because it was Phil's birthday, so I let him go home for the night and Lily and I were hanging out. The nurses helped me get Lily bundled up in her robe, put her mask in place because her counts were low and gather all associated nee nees, Poohs and necessary items for the trip down stairs to watch them light the tree. We got out there at dusk. We found a seat on the grass away from people. She couldn't get comfortable. The band was playing but the ceremony hadn't started. Finally she looked at me with her sick little eyes and asked "can we go back upstairs now?" So we went back upstairs and she fell asleep. Later that night she woke up and I carried her across the hall to look out the playroom window at all the lights below.

This year she gets to light the Christmas tree and she's very excited. It's a good reminder of no matter how tough things are you will get through. Last year we were going from hour to hour. I don't want to delve into those feelings and those memories, but they have shaped who we are.  I am truly Thankful for all of those who have helped us through this year and have done so many things to make a difference for us.

If you are out and about on Monday November 30, the Tripler Tree Lighting Ceremony will be by the flag, Oceanside at 1730 hrs. Anyone is welcome to join us as Lily helps usher in the holiday season at Tripler.