Wednesday, December 24, 2008

IT WAS THE BEST & WORST OF CHRISTMASES

Christmas 1989 I shall never forget. It was my worst Christmas and yet it was my very best and most blessed Christmas I ever had. How can that be, you may ask...well I'll try to explain.

In March of 1988 I had been diagnosed with stage IIA Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer, this is a type of cancer of the lymph nodes. I received 3-4 months of daily radiation treatments and was then declared in full and complete remission.

By March of 1989, the cancer had reoccurred in my right chest wall. A full 12 month regimen of chemotherapy was initiated consisting of 8 different chemo drugs, some given daily and some every two weeks. My hair turned purple (from Adramycin) and then fell out. I became severely bloated and moon faced from the steroids they were giving me. My strength was totally gone and I had become anxious and depressed. The realization hit me, that it was quite possible, I might not ever get to spend another Christmas with my family again. I truly did not know if I would live to see another day, never mind another Christmas!

....And yet in spite of all the uncertainty of that Christmas, a deep realization of appreciation began to set in within my heart, for each and every single moment spent with my children, husband, & family. I just cherished the moments and enjoyed them all, so profoundly, knowing that next Christmas might not be the same. I began to truly identify with each any every person who were suffering as I were. I felt so blessed to be alive!!!

It's been 19 years since that Christmas of 1989, it seems to me as if it were just yesterday still. It amazes me everyday that I'm still here, and to say I'm thankful is a huge understatement.

I was blessed to have all my children and their families here tonight, all under one roof...MY roof... for the space of a few hours. Outside of the birth of our dear Lord & sweet Saviour Jesus, there is no better Christmas present for me! It seems our times of getting everyone together at one time, get fewer and far between as the years go by, so I'll continue to cherish the moments,...each and every moment, hour, day, month and year.

Take a deep breath... be thankful for life. Hug and hold those near and dear to you...if they are not here with you physically, then close your eyes and hug and hold them in your heart...tightly. Tell them you love them. Thank God for another Christmas and thank Him for sending that baby in a manager so long ago, our Lord and Saviour.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE, FROM MEMAW'S HOUSE TO YOURS!

12 comments:

Susan said...

What a wonderful testimony and a beautiful family. This brought tears to my eyes. All my family is with us this year, too, and I am so thankful for that gift. Merry Christmas to you and yours!!!
Susan

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

wow, that's an amazing story! your family looks so happy there. what a blessing! merry christmas!

smiles, bee
xxoxoxoxooxoxxo

Anonymous said...

first of all i am not a big writer and my spelling is bad but iam going to try to write a note for my wife . it started along time ago i met a good looking girl and i knew she was the one for me and boy it sure has been great.yes we have had our ups and downs but with GODS heip we have went fordward. we have just spent christmas with our children and it was great to see all the smiles and to have all the hugs frome all the children.i had alittle problem i had to perform a funeral for one of my church members she was ninty one years old she is with jesus now i hope the words i spoke to her family comforter them at this time of year because we all miss our love one at this time of year. i just want to say to my wife and family that i i LOVE themvery much. dad

Debra said...

Thanks sweetie...I love you...Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Love the post, ps 1989 was my first Christmas with Bub, and I told you I was getting married..sorry I made you so crazy!

Kanani said...

Now this..this really strikes to the core of the holidays --either Christmas or Hanukkah! Next year my hubby will be gone as well --in a hospital somewhere, operating on soldiers and civilians. Enjoy the day, MeMaw, and thank you for coming over to my blog!

Brenda said...

That was so inspiring. I was a little disappointed that we didn't get to go to our extended family today, we are snowed in. But after reading that it puts things back into perspective. Thanks.

Maxine said...

Oh my, what a story. Praise God for the years He has given you since that 1989 Christmas and may you see many more! Other than Jesus, there is nothing like family and I'm so glad you had yours with you this year. Blessings and Merry Christmas.

Barbara said...

Thanks for your greetings and I wish for you many,many more wonderful Christmases with your family.
May this be an extra special blessed year.
What a wonderful testimony.

In reading your last post on angels it reminded me yet again that God does disguise His angels in us and that through his life in us we are angels in disguise. Quite a thought. I imagine that lady will never forget you.Your life was very meaningful for her.

Polly & Steve said...

MeMaw, thank you for your wonderful story, God is so good to answer your prayers. I am glad all your babies were home. My son and his wife came Christmas Eve. It went well I think. I'll go get the box of kleenex....smile. Merry Christmas. and Many more.
Polly and Steve

Robbin said...

Thanks for sharing your story, now I know why you were always there to encourage me, what I went through was mild compared to your journey and you are my inspiration for sure.

Maxine said...

Thanks for your visit a bit ago. I just popped over to tell you to let everybody know if and when your son goes to Afganistan. We want to be praying.