I sincerely hope everyone who stumbles on this blog enjoys the holiday. No matter what sorrow you may have, as you remember lost loved ones, or heartache you may have, I only wish you the best, and hope you can make the most of the season while making new memories.
Please don't dismiss me as a fairy tale optimist. Life will always be filled with suckage, but there is always good with it. I've struggled with depression even while knowing it's in my power to choose what to focus on. It can be irritating to hear this, but tell me. Does it make more sense to whine, or to have the hope of finding a way out? No matter how much heavier the crap may be than the good, there is still always something to be thankful for.
My mother-in-law loved Christmas, and always worked to make it special for the whole family. She was 76 when we lost her October 1st of this year. Today will be bittersweet as my family gathers with her surviving husband and friends. My wife and others have my mother-in-law in mind as they step in not to fill Lois' shoes, but to honor her.
As I write this, one of my closest friends is in the hospital suffering from a blood disorder that results in a very low hemoglobin level. Leukemia is a possibility. I'm in touch with his wife in an effort to arrange for his return home.
This is unfortunate. What can be positive about it? For one, he has a short list of possible causes, all of which are treatable. Do you know how many people there are who don't know the cause of their health problems? A solid diagnosis will be good news for my 78 year old friend because his doctor will know what to do.
Death is always certain. When and how are the only questions.
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This post is a draft, so will change.
