On Wednesday I begin a new drug trial that could extend my life up to a year. I am too cautious to get excited, still I am thankful for this last treatment option. Wednesday is Craig's birthday and we have much to celebrate as he and I have found a new and stronger path forward... together. We will eat chocolate and drink champagne to celebrate all the gifts that Craig has given to us. We will stay together as a family on Thanksgiving, waking up to hot cinnamon rolls and finishing with savory bird and cider. I hope for more snow on Thanksgiving, to wrap everything in a downy peacefulness, just like being tucked into bed and kissed goodnight.
We will drag home a Christmas tree and delight again and again in the pine scent, we will decorate it with love so Santa can surprise us with fun gifts for all human and animal believers. We will mull cider, decorate sugar cookies to share with Helen and all visitors. My Pandora radio will play ambient Buble Christmas carols as we bustle about. We have tickets to The Guthrie Christmas Carol and we will be dressed grandly as we take our seats. Brigit will finally learn to cross country ski, even if we have to blow on our fingers and fall in the snow. Rocket dog will attempt to eat or tip over the tree, as we smile and shoo him away, again. Such merry making should leave us fodder for many stories, to be told again and again over the years.
I am thankful to be given one last holiday season to savor and share. If suffering can be good, this is it.
Happy Holidays!