Christmas Greetings

[Qrious]

Reading some of the threads lately makes me feel sad. Sad that Christmas is not a time of peace and happiness for some of us.

It is for me. Always has been, but I think a few years ago, I may have started getting caught up in the commercialism of Christmas as well. Then I received a reminder.

Less than one week before Christmas two years ago, the doctors discovered I had three tumours in my left breast. They were so concerned, they biopsied them immediately. Of course, I wouldn't find out any results until after Christmas. Given my family history, I was terrified. I couldn't imagine the possibility of not being here for my son, seeing him grow up, graduate, find himself in life, get married (against my advice, of course, haha), and have children of his own. Be a grandma.

It was the most memorable Christmas I have ever had. Every second of every minute was spent appreciating. Appreciating my son, my family, my life, Christmas. And I found the movie, The Christmas Shoes.

In January, I found out the tumours were benign.

I believe in God, I believe a man named Jesus died trying to make us better people, and for me, Christmas is a time to be thankful for life. A time for peace and happiness. A time to look at loved ones and be happy they're in your life. And yes, buy them something that will make them happy, too.

For those who have forgotten, please enjoy:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GJcPVB-we7g

... and if you haven't seen this movie... please watch it.

Merry Christmas everyone. May you find peace and happiness, at least for this Christmas season.

[Janibel]

A lovely post, and your a lovely person for sharing this with us. This is what the Christmas spirit is all about, sharing and appreciating our family and friends ... that's all that really matters.

It takes a lot of courage to deal with waiting for the doctor's call - I'm glad everything worked out for you

[blinkandimgone]

Thanks for a great post, Qrious. It is indeed moments like this that make us re-evaluate our lives and the way we spend our time - and why.

A number of years ago, after months and months of waiting, we got the call from our child's oncologist on December 23, and all they asked was " Do you want the results now or to wait until after Christmas?" Just from that we knew. It was a hard year and an emotional Christmas, and every year on the same day I remember how I felt when I hung up the phone and had to tell our family. Things changed, our lives changed and we didn't know if it would be THE last Christmas. It was a very scary time for us.

Qrious, I am so glad to hear everything worked out for you and that you came through it ok.

It shouldn't HAVE to take an event like this to make us stop and think, but too often it does. Thanks for the reminder.

[blinkandimgone]

I thought this was a good addition to this thread:

A Christmas Version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah that will Give You Chills! - Music Videos